Bill > HF3898

This bill modifies pesticide regulations to better protect "wild-rice water," which is defined as any body of water that supports or can support wild rice, is located within or flows into Indian country, or is identified as a growing area for uncultivated wild rice. The bill allows for enforcement actions, including penalties, for violations that adversely affect these waters, and these violations will not be considered minor. It also expands the scope of environmental impact assessments for pesticides to include immediate and biocumulative effects on sediment, soil, and surface and groundwater, specifically mentioning wild-rice water. Furthermore, the bill mandates the inclusion of wild-rice waters in pesticide management plans, requires state agencies to take extra care to prevent pesticides from flowing into them, and incorporates the protection of wild-rice waters into pesticide education and training programs, emphasizing prevention and best practices for their protection. The bill also ensures that Minnesota Tribal governments are consulted in these processes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/3898/