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HF 2423

Emerald ash borer-infested tree disposal funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Athena Hollins and 3 co-sponsors

HF 2423 would provide state funding to help dispose of emerald ash borer–infested trees, covering removal, transport, and disposal costs for eligible entities.

Motion to recall and re-refer, motion prevailed Energy Finance and Policy
#forestsandtrees #naturalresourcesdepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 2423

Bill Summary – HF 2423 (2025-2026 Session, Minnesota)

Title

Emerald ash borer-infested tree disposal funding provided, and money appropriated.

Purpose and Intent

HF 2423 proposes funding to support the disposal of trees infested with the emerald ash borer (EAB). The core aim is to provide financial assistance to municipalities, property owners, or other eligible entities to safely remove and dispose of EAB-infested ash trees, mitigating the spread and ecological and economic impacts of the invasive pest.

Key Provisions and Provisions Summary

  • Funding for Disposal: Establishes funding to cover costs associated with removing and disposing of EAB-infested ash trees. The exact mechanism (grant program, reimbursement, or line-item appropriation) is not specified in the summary provided, but the bill centers on providing money for disposal.
  • Eligibility and Use of Funds: While details are not enumerated in the summary, expected provisions typically include:
    • Eligible applicants (e.g., cities, towns, counties, or property owners) facing EAB infestation.
    • Permissible use of funds for costs such as tree removal, transportation, processing, and disposal or utilization of wood.
    • Potential matching requirements, reporting, and compliance with state environmental and forestry regulations.
  • Administration: Likely creates or designates a state agency or department (often the Department of Natural Resources or an energy/finance policy office) to administer the funding, review applications, and disburse funds.
  • Authorization vs. Appropriation: The bill both authorizes and appropriates funds, implying a budgetary mechanism to allocate state dollars for EAB disposal efforts.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Local Governments and Property Owners: Entities responsible for managing EAB-affected trees would be among the primary beneficiaries, receiving financial help to cover disposal costs.
  • Forestry and Environmental Management: Supports ongoing EAB mitigation efforts by reducing the financial barriers to removing infested trees, potentially slowing the spread and reducing risks to property and infrastructure.
  • Affected Regions: Areas with significant ash populations and confirmed EAB infestations would see direct impact through increased disposal options and reduced costs.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction and Movement: HF 2423 was introduced and referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy, with subsequent movement to Energy Finance and Policy after a recall and re-refer action on March 20, 2025.
  • Sponsor Information: Primary sponsor list includes:
    • Brad Tabke (co-sponsor)
    • Cal Warwas (co-sponsor)
    • Matt Norris (co-sponsor)
    • Athena Hollins (co-sponsor) Additional author addition noted: Norris as author (March 20, 2025).
  • Next Steps in Legislature: If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee reviews (likely within Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy, then Energy Finance and Policy as indicated) and eventually to floor votes in the Minnesota House of Representatives, with potential Senate consideration and any conference actions as applicable.

Notes and Considerations

  • The available summary does not include dollar amounts, specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, or matching requirements. For a complete understanding, the full text or fiscal note would be needed to confirm funding levels, administration details, reporting requirements, and any sunset clauses or project timelines.

If you’d like, I can fetch the full bill text or fiscal note to provide precise dollar amounts, program structure, deadlines, and reporting requirements.

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

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