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HF 2481

Clean Water Council membership, structure, and duties modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Hansen and 1 co-sponsor

HF 2481 changes who serves on the Clean Water Council, how it’s organized, and what it can do, including duties, funding, and reporting to guide Minnesota’s clean water policy.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 2481

Summary of HF 2481 (2025-2026) — Clean Water Council membership, structure, and duties modified

Overview

HF 2481 proposes changes to the membership, structure, and duties of the Minnesota Clean Water Council. The bill aims to modify who serves on the Council, how the Council is organized, and what responsibilities and authorities it holds in relation to Minnesota’s clean water initiatives. The bill was introduced and referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy committee on March 17, 2025. Co-sponsors include Rep. Rick Hansen and Rep. Fue Lee.

Purpose and intent

  • To alter the makeup and governance of the Clean Water Council in order to influence decision-making, oversight, and coordination of clean water programs.
  • To potentially improve representation, efficiency, and accountability in administering clean water resources, funding, and policy guidance.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill title and typical scope of such reform measures)

Note: The exact textual provisions are not provided in the summary you supplied. The following items reflect common elements associated with “membership, structure, and duties modified” bills for state Clean Water Councils. Please refer to the bill’s full text for precise language.

  • Membership changes

    • Modify who is on the Council (e.g., representation from state agencies, local governments, tribal nations, non-governmental organizations, and/or industry sectors).
    • Adjust term lengths, appointment processes, qualifications, or voting status of members.
    • Add or remove ex officio members or representatives from certain interests to better reflect Minnesota’s water governance landscape.

  • Structural adjustments

    • Reconfigure committees or subcouncils within the Clean Water Council (e.g., standing committees for funding, science and monitoring, policy, or public outreach).
    • Change in leadership selection method (e.g., chairperson designation, rotation, or tenure limits).
    • Modify meeting frequency, quorums, or decision-making rules.

  • Duties and powers

    • Reaffirm or revise core duties such as advising on clean water policy, prioritizing projects, and overseeing grant programs related to clean water.
    • Set or revise reporting requirements to the Legislature, state agencies, or the public.
    • Adjust authority related to funding allocations, grant criteria, or program administration.
    • Strengthen or modify requirements for state plan updates, water quality standards integration, or watershed management guidance.
    • Incorporate or emphasize science-based decision-making, data transparency, and public engagement.

  • Coordination and reporting

    • Clarify roles in coordinating with state agencies (e.g., Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Board of Water and Soil Resources) and local governments.
    • Establish reporting timelines or performance metrics to track progress on clean water goals.

  • Budgetary or funding implications

    • Potential changes to funding sources for the Council’s operations or for grant programs it oversees.
    • Possible impacts on the distribution of state clean water grants, bonding authority, or leveraged funding strategies.

Potential affected parties

  • State agencies involved in water quality and environmental protection (e.g., Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Board of Water and Soil Resources).
  • Local governments and watershed districts responsible for implementing clean water projects.
  • Tribes, non-profit organizations, and community groups engaged in water quality initiatives.
  • Stakeholders in agriculture, industry, and housing development affected by clean water policy and funding decisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading occurred on March 17, 2025.
  • The bill will proceed through committee consideration in the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy committee, where it may be amended, debated, and potentially moved to the next stage (e.g., it could go to a finance or policy committee, then to a floor vote if advanced).

Impact considerations

  • If enacted, the bill could shift governance dynamics and influence which groups have formal input into Minnesota’s clean water strategy.
  • Changes in membership or duties could affect prioritization of projects, grant criteria, and transparency in decision-making.
  • The timing of enactment would determine when any revised structure or duties take effect, and whether phasing or transitional provisions are included.

For a precise understanding, consult the bill’s full text to review each section’s exact language, dates, and any transitional provisions or sunset clauses. If needed, I can summarize specific sections once the text is available.

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

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