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Bill

HF 601

Depredation compensation payment funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Anderson and 6 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill appropriates state funds to compensate farmers and landowners for financial losses from wildlife damage to crops and property.

Referred to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 601

Legislative bill overview

HF 601 appropriates state funding to compensate landowners and farmers for losses caused by wildlife depredation—damage to property, crops, or livestock by protected wild animals. The bill establishes or expands a compensation payment program administered through Minnesota's agricultural or wildlife management framework.

Why is this important

Wildlife depredation creates genuine financial hardship for rural property owners who cannot legally eliminate protected species causing damage. This bill addresses a gap between environmental protection laws (which restrict killing wildlife) and economic burden, allowing affected individuals to seek reimbursement rather than bearing losses alone.

Potential points of contention

  • Program cost and sustainability: The amount appropriated and whether ongoing funding is adequate, or if this creates an unfunded mandate in future years
  • Eligibility criteria: Which animals qualify, what damage thresholds trigger compensation, and whether requirements are too restrictive or too permissive
  • Prevention versus compensation: Whether funding should prioritize preventive measures (fencing, deterrents) over reactive payment programs
  • Urban versus rural impact: How the program balances protecting both wildlife and agricultural interests in different regions

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

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