Bill > SF2793

This bill modifies Minnesota's water use regulations in three key ways: First, it allows water-use permit holders to more easily transfer permits when property changes ownership, preventing the commissioner from adding new conditions, reducing the appropriation, or requiring additional testing during transfer. Second, the bill enables irrigation permit holders to transfer unused water permit gallons to other irrigation permit holders withdrawing from the same water source, with the stipulation that no money can be exchanged for these transfers. Third, the bill provides two special provisions for water usage during challenging agricultural conditions: during extreme drought, permit holders can use excess water (unused gallons from the previous year) if sustainable, and farmers planning to plant cover crops can apply for additional water allocation of up to 27,154 gallons per acre above their normal permit amount. These changes are designed to provide more flexibility for farmers and water users while maintaining environmental sustainability through oversight by the state commissioner, who must verify and approve such transfers and increased water uses based on established standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2793&ssn=0&y=2025