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HF 1390

1854 Treaty Authority funding provided for a bear population study, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Hansen and 3 co-sponsors

Funding from the 1854 Treaty Authority is authorized to support a bear population study in Minnesota.

Author added Virnig
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Bill Summary · HF 1390

Summary of HF 1390 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Overview

HF 1390 proposes funding related to the 1854 Treaty Authority to support a bear population study, along with appropriations to support that study and related activities. The bill was introduced and referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy committee, with several co-sponsors listed.

  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Title: 1854 Treaty Authority funding provided for a bear population study, and money appropriated
  • Action history:
    • 2025-02-24: Introduction and first reading; referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
    • 2025-02-26: Author added Virnig
  • Sponsors:
    • Co-sponsors: Liish Kozlowski, Bianca Virnig, Rick Hansen, Roger Skraba

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill authorizes funding from the 1854 Treaty Authority (an entity created to manage treaty-based natural resource issues on lands and waters within its jurisdiction) for a bear population study.
  • The central aim is to support scientific assessment and data collection on black bear populations, presumably within Minnesota’s context and potentially in treaty area lands, to inform management decisions and treaty obligations.

2) Key Provisions

  • Authorization of funding: Money is to be provided to support a bear population study. The bill designates funds from the 1854 Treaty Authority for this research initiative.
  • Appropriation: The bill places an appropriation of dollars (specific amounts are not provided in the summary text available) to cover costs related to the study, including fieldwork, data analysis, personnel, and related project expenses.
  • Study scope (implied): A bear population study would likely involve population surveys, harvest data analysis, habitat assessment, and possibly genetic or camera-trap methodologies, though exact methodologies would be defined in the bill’s language or study plan.
  • Administrative framework: The bill would establish or authorize oversight by the 1854 Treaty Authority for the allocation and use of funds toward the study, and may outline reporting requirements.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • 1854 Treaty Authority: Primary administrator and funder of the study.
  • Bear population management efforts: The study’s findings could influence wildlife management and conservation strategies for bears in Minnesota, particularly in areas under treaty authority.
  • Minnesota residents and stakeholders: Hunters, conservationists, Indigenous communities, and local governments with interests in bear populations and treaty rights may be affected by study outcomes and any subsequent management recommendations.
  • State wildlife agencies: Potential collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for data sharing, methodological alignment, and implementation of any management actions resulting from the study.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced on February 24, 2025, and referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy committee.
  • Action history indicates ongoing consideration with potential amendments and budgeting decisions within the committee process.
  • Specific timeline, milestones, and reporting requirements would be determined in the bill’s text or subsequent committee amendments (e.g., start date for funding, duration of the study, quarterly/annual reporting to the legislature, final report deadlines).

5) Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Scientific and management value: A dedicated bear population study could provide essential data to inform harvest quotas, habitat conservation, and treaty-based resource management.
  • Fiscal considerations: The bill allocates funds to a targeted study; the size of the appropriation and ongoing funding implications would affect agency budgeting and related programs.
  • Treaty implications: Funding through the 1854 Treaty Authority aligns with treaty-based management processes and obligations, potentially enhancing collaborative governance between tribal authorities and state agencies.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include specific anticipated funding amounts, study methodologies, or alignment with existing bear management plans, once the bill text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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