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HF 1281

Great Lakes Aquarium lake sturgeon project funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Johnson and 3 co-sponsors

HF 1281 would provide state funding to support a lake sturgeon project tied to the Great Lakes Aquarium, funding conservation, research, and education activities.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Legacy Finance
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Bill Summary · HF 1281

Bill Summary: HF 1281 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Topic: Great Lakes Aquarium lake sturgeon project funding provided, and money appropriated

Introduction and sponsorship
- Introduced: February 20, 2025
- Primary intent: Provide funding related to a lake sturgeon project operated by or associated with the Great Lakes Aquarium.
- Sponsors:
- Primary (co-sponsors): Natalie Zeleznikar, Liish Kozlowski, Roger Skraba, Pete Johnson
- Committee assignment: Referred to Legacy Finance for consideration.

1) Purpose and intent

HF 1281 aims to support a lake sturgeon project connected to the Great Lakes Aquarium. The bill designates state funding for the project and outlines the appropriation and related terms necessary to carry out the project’s objectives. The central aim is to advance conservation, restoration, or educational initiatives tied to lake sturgeon within Minnesota, leveraging the Great Lakes Aquarium as the program administrator or primary partner.

2) Key provisions and changes

  • Funding appropriation: The bill authorizes a state appropriation specifically for the Great Lakes Aquarium lake sturgeon project. The exact dollar amount is not provided in the bill summary available here; the appropriation would be administered as part of the state budget by the relevant agency designated in the bill (likely the department overseeing environmental conservation or legacy funds, given the committee).

  • Authorized use of funds: Funds appropriated under HF 1281 would be used to advance the lake sturgeon project. Typical authorized uses in similar bills include:

    • Habitat restoration or enhancement
    • Research and monitoring of lake sturgeon populations
    • Propagation, stocking, or reintroduction activities
    • Education, outreach, and public awareness
    • Program administration, reporting, and oversight

  • Administration and reporting: The bill would likely require reporting on fund expenditures, project milestones, and outcomes. There may be provisions for periodic status reports to the Legislature and for adherence to state procurement and grant management rules.

  • Compliance requirements: The appropriation would be subject to standard state fiscal rules, including compliance with applicable accounting, auditing, and sunset or renewal provisions if specified.

(Note: The exact text would specify the precise allocation, eligible expenditures, and any matching funds or contingencies. The summary here captures typical elements based on the bill’s title and related practice.)

3) Who is affected

  • Direct beneficiaries: The Great Lakes Aquarium and partner organizations responsible for implementing the lake sturgeon project.
  • Indirect beneficiaries: Minnesota residents and the broader ecosystem, through conservation outcomes, public education, and increased awareness about lake sturgeon and Great Lakes/St. Louis River ecosystem health.
  • State agencies and administrators: Entities tasked with disbursing and overseeing the appropriation, managing grants or contracts, and reporting on progress.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: February 20, 2025.

  • Next steps: As HF 1281 proceeds, it would undergo hearings and deliberation in the Legacy Finance committee. If advanced, it would move to the House floor for debate and potential passage, then to the Senate (or follow the corresponding chamber’s process) and, upon passage, to conference committees if needed, for final reconciliation and enactment.

  • Effective date: The bill would specify an effective date (often the day of enactment or a specified date within the appropriation section). If not specified, standard statutory rules apply.

5) Additional considerations

  • Budgetary impact: The appropriation will affect the General Fund or designated legacy/environmental funds, depending on the source specified in the bill. The fiscal note (if provided) would detail the annual cost, any one-time vs. ongoing funds, and potential offsets or required match.
  • Policy alignment: Aligns with Minnesota interests in wildlife habitat conservation, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and public-private partnerships in conservation and education.

Summary

HF 1281 proposes a targeted state appropriation to support a lake sturgeon project associated with the Great Lakes Aquarium. It outlines funding to advance conservation, research, and related educational or outreach activities, with administration and reporting likely governed by standard state fiscal rules. The bill has four sponsors and was referred to Legacy Finance for consideration, marking the first step in the legislative process.

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

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