ST. PAUL, Minn. — On June 9, Senate Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee Chair Senator Foung Hawj (DFL-St. Paul) successfully passed the Environment and Natural Resources budget omnibus bill (SF 3) on a 38-29 vote.

Senator Hawj releases the following statement:

“This is a bipartisan bill that keeps our state agencies running and invests in Minnesota’s environment and communities. As the federal government rolls back environmental standards across the country, our state protections are more important than ever — as are the activities that help future generations fall in love with nature, like hunting, fishing, hiking and foraging. I am particularly proud of the Community Grants provision, which opens grant funding to communities that have hurt by pollution and climate change but overlooked for environmental grant funding. When we protect our natural resources — the water, air, land and wildlife we rely on — we protect ourselves and our future.”

Key provisions include:

LCCMR Recommendations: Minnesotans overwhelmingly reaffirmed their support for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund in the 2024 election. This legislation protects and preserves our natural resources based on recommendations from the LCCMR; and new community grant funding will fund projects in communities affected by climate change, low-income communities, and other underserved areas.

Minnesotans overwhelmingly reaffirmed their support for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund in the 2024 election. This legislation protects and preserves our natural resources based on recommendations from the LCCMR; and new community grant funding will fund projects in communities affected by climate change, low-income communities, and other underserved areas. Abandoned Watercraft Penalties: Minnesota did not have a clear process to deal with abandoned or derelict watercraft, but as Minnesotans on the St. Croix River learned last summer, abandoned boats quickly become an eyesore and safety hazard. This legislation allows peace officers to tag abandoned boats on or near state waters and creates a process for the DNR and law enforcement to notify owners and press civil or criminal charges if necessary.

Minnesota did not have a clear process to deal with abandoned or derelict watercraft, but as Minnesotans on the St. Croix River learned last summer, abandoned boats quickly become an eyesore and safety hazard. This legislation allows peace officers to tag abandoned boats on or near state waters and creates a process for the DNR and law enforcement to notify owners and press civil or criminal charges if necessary. Sustainable Foraging Task Force: Foraging is a way to connect with the outdoors, learn about natural food systems, and is a treasured cultural heritage for many Minnesotans. It is also the only way to find some mushrooms, berries and vegetables. The Sustainable Foraging Task Force will deliver recommendations for foraging regulations on state lands that balance the needs of sustainability with Minnesotans’ right to forage.

Foraging is a way to connect with the outdoors, learn about natural food systems, and is a treasured cultural heritage for many Minnesotans. It is also the only way to find some mushrooms, berries and vegetables. The Sustainable Foraging Task Force will deliver recommendations for foraging regulations on state lands that balance the needs of sustainability with Minnesotans’ right to forage. Veterans with disabilities fishing license waiver: Beginning in 2027, the cost of fishing and game licenses for permanently disabled veterans will be reduced to $5.

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