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HF 4644

Conveyance of surplus land authorized.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josiah Hill

HF 4644 authorizes conveying surplus government land under clear criteria and processes, including eligibility, appraisal, safeguards, and revenue use.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4644

Summary of HF 4644 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Title

Conveyance of surplus land authorized.

Purpose and intent

HF 4644 authorizes the conveyance (sale or transfer) of surplus lands under certain conditions. The bill aims to create a clear statutory framework for when and how surplus government land managed by a state agency or political subdivision can be transferred to another entity, property owner, or interest holder. The underlying objective is typically to optimize land use, generate revenue, and address public or private needs while ensuring proper oversight and accountability for land disposals.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

  • Authorization to convey surplus land: The bill grants statutory authority for the conveyance of lands identified as surplus, subject to specified criteria and processes.
  • Eligibility andEligible transferees:
    • Likely includes certain buyers such as local governments, nonprofits, or private parties, depending on the bill’s precise language.
    • May require compatibility with land use plans, zoning, or environmental considerations.
  • Administrative process:
    • Establishes steps for determining surplus status (e.g., department or agency inventory, public notice).
    • Specifies notice, bidding, or competitive process requirements to ensure fair consideration of potential buyers.
    • May include procedures for appraisals, valuation standards, and terms of sale or transfer (price, payment terms, closing conditions).
  • Environmental and land-use safeguards:
    • Provisions to protect environmental resources (wetlands, endangered species habitat, floodplains) and to ensure compliance with state environmental laws.
    • Requirements to maintain or repurpose land in a manner consistent with local and state plans.
  • Accounting and revenue treatment:
    • Guidelines for how proceeds from conveyances are deposited (e.g., to a dedicated fund or the general fund) and used (e.g., reinvestment in state lands, conservation programs).
  • Limitations and oversight:
    • Possible restrictions on conveyances of land with existing public uses, easements, or long-term leases.
    • Requirements for concurrence by relevant authorities or governing boards.
  • Effective date and transition:
    • Specifies when the authority becomes operative and any transitional provisions for ongoing land transactions.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies and departments with ownership of land identified as surplus.
  • Local governments, nonprofits, and private entities seeking to acquire surplus land, subject to eligibility and process rules.
  • Public stakeholders and residents who may be impacted by changes in land use, environmental protections, or revenue allocation related to land sales.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: March 25, 2026, with referral to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy committee.
  • The bill’s passage would follow the normal legislative process: committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes in the House, and, if applicable, companion actions in the Senate.
  • Specific timelines (e.g., notice periods, bidding windows, appraisal periods) would be defined within the final text, subject to committee amendments.

Notes

  • The current description reflects a standard pattern for conveyance of surplus land. The exact language of HF 4644 (text) would specify precise eligibility, processes, appraisal standards, sale terms, and safeguards.
  • Co-sponsor listed: Josiah Hill.

If you’d like, I can pull the exact bill text or amend this summary with precise sections, dates, dollar figures, and procedural steps once the final version is available.

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

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