Bill > HF451

This bill eliminates the automatic annual appropriation of the pollinator account and repeals the Lawns to Legumes grant program. Specifically, the bill changes how the pollinator account in the special revenue fund is managed by removing language that previously automatically appropriated funds annually to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for pollinator habitat support, and instead makes the funds available for appropriation through standard legislative processes. The bill also completely eliminates the Lawns to Legumes program, which previously provided financial and technical assistance to help residents and communities plant native vegetation and pollinator-friendly plants. The program was designed to support pollinator populations, particularly endangered species like the rusty patched bumble bee, while also offering environmental benefits such as water management and carbon sequestration. Both changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to adjust to the new funding and program landscape. The bill represents a shift in how Minnesota supports pollinator conservation efforts by removing dedicated funding and a specific grant program for these initiatives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0451&ssn=0&y=2025