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HF 3387

Hunter-harvested venison donation program modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Myers and 1 co-sponsor

HF 3387 updates how hunter-harvested venison donations are collected, processed, and distributed to food shelves, aiming to improve safety, efficiency, and reach.

Author added Repinski
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 3387

Summary of HF 3387 (2025-2026) – Hunter-harvested venison donation program modified

Purpose and overall aim

HF 3387 proposes modifications to Minnesota’s hunter-harvested venison donation program. The bill is designed to adjust how donated venison from deer hunts is collected, processed, distributed, and regulated, with the goal of improving the efficiency, safety, and reach of venison donations to food shelves and other eligible recipients.

Key context:
- The bill is introduced in the 2025-2026 session and was introduced and referred to the Agriculture Finance and Policy committee (first reading) on February 17, 2026.
- The measure has co-sponsors: Rep. Andrew Myers and Rep. Ripper Repinski (with Repinski listed as an author in action history as of March 23, 2026).

Key provisions and changes (subject to final statutory language)

Note: The exact text of HF 3387 is not provided here, but the bill is described as a modification to the existing hunter-harvested venison donation program. Typical categories of changes in such bills may include, but are not limited to, the following areas. Readers should consult the bill’s actual language for precise obligations and allowances:

  • Donation eligibility and sources

    • Clarifications or expansions of who can donate venison (e.g., requirements for hunters or licensed meat processors).
    • Provisions affecting the handling of donated meat from field to processing facility.
  • Processing and handling standards

    • Food-safety requirements for processing venison donated from hunts.
    • Standards for inspection, labeling, traceability, and storage.
  • Distribution and recipients

    • Rules governing allocation of donated venison to shelters, food banks, or other eligible charitable entities.
    • Possible caps, quotas, or prioritization criteria for distribution.
  • Program administration and oversight

    • Roles and responsibilities of wildlife agencies, health departments, or other state agencies in administering the donation program.
    • Reporting, recordkeeping, and audit requirements for participating entities.
    • Funding mechanisms or budget appropriations to support program operations.
  • Liability and waivers

    • Provisions addressing liability protections for donors, processors, and distributors involved in the program.
    • Assurances regarding food safety and compliance with state laws.
  • Funding and cost-sharing

    • Potential changes to state funding, grants, or cost-sharing arrangements to support processing, transportation, or distribution of donated venison.
  • Geographic or temporal scope

    • Any changes to when donations can be made (seasonal windows) or which counties or regions are covered by the program.

Who is affected

  • Hunters and donor participants: Individuals who harvest deer and choose to donate venison.
  • Licensed processors and facilities: Entities involved in transforming donated venison into consumer-ready product or distribution-ready form.
  • Food banks, shelters, and charitable organizations: Recipients that receive donated venison for distribution to people in need.
  • State agencies: Agencies responsible for wildlife management, food safety, and public health oversight, which may implement and monitor program changes.
  • Lawmakers and administrators: Those involved in crafting the program’s budget, reporting requirements, and policy adjustments.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduction and referrals: Introduced February 17, 2026; referred to the Agriculture Finance and Policy committee for consideration.
  • Author and sponsorship updates: Rep. Repinski added as an author on March 23, 2026; Co-sponsors include Rep. Andrew Myers and Rep. Ripper Repinski.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and, if approved, move to the broader legislative process for floor debate and passage. Timeline depends on committee schedules and legislative priorities.

Potential impact

  • Improved efficiency and safety in the venison donation pipeline from field to consumer.
  • Expanded or clarified access to donated venison for eligible charitable organizations.
  • Enhanced transparency through reporting and oversight requirements.
  • Potential changes in funding or resource allocation to support processing and distribution.

For a complete understanding, readers should review the bill’s full text to confirm the exact language, thresholds, definitions, and implementing provisions as introduced and any amendments adopted during committee processes.

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

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