Bill > HF2613

This bill addresses water use regulations in Minnesota by making several key changes to existing water permit laws. First, it allows water-use permits to be more easily transferred to new property owners without additional conditions or reductions in the permit's terms. The bill also introduces a mechanism for irrigation permit holders to transfer unused water permit gallons to other irrigation permit holders within the same water source (aquifer or surface water), with the stipulation that no money can be exchanged for these transfers. Additionally, the bill provides provisions for water use during drought conditions, allowing permit holders to use excess water (unused gallons from the previous year) when an area is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought, subject to the commissioner's determination of sustainable water use. Furthermore, the bill enables permit holders to increase their water use by up to 27,154 gallons per acre for planting late summer or fall cover crops, provided they meet sustainability standards and have not been subject to previous enforcement actions. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for water users while maintaining environmental stewardship and sustainable water management practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2613&ssn=0&y=2025