Lawns to legumes program funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lucy Rehm and 1 co-sponsor

The bill allocates $2 million in both 2026 and 2027 from the General Fund to BWSR to fund Minnesota’s lawns to legumes program.

Author added Rehrauer

#appropriations #naturalresourcesdepartment #plants #seeds #andnurseries

Summary of HF 5137 (2025-2026) – Lawns to Legumes program funding

Purpose and intent

HF 5137 seeks to appropriate state funds to support Minnesota’s lawns to legumes program, a conservation initiative administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The bill designates specific funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to advance this program under Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.104.

Key provisions and changes

Appropriations:

Transfers $2,000,000 from the General Fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) for the lawns to legumes program in fiscal year 2026.
Transfers another $2,000,000 from the General Fund to BWSR for the lawns to legumes program in fiscal year 2027.

Legal basis:

The funding is provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.104, which governs the lawns to legumes program. The bill does not appear to alter program structure or eligibility beyond establishing the specified appropriations.

Administration:

The funds are to be administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources, consistent with existing statutory framework for the program.

Who and what is affected

State government:

Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) would receive and administer the new appropriations to fund the lawns to legumes program.

Environmental and agricultural landscape:

The lawns to legumes program typically focuses on converting portions of public or private lawns from traditional turfgrass to leguminous plantings (such as clover and other nitrogen-fixing species) to improve soil health, reduce fertilizer use, and support pollinator and wildlife habitat. Recipients may include landowners, communities, and partners implementing the program, subject to BWSR’s guidelines.

Taxpayers:

General Fund resources are redirected to support this environmental initiative, representing a budgetary commitment for the specified fiscal years.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and status:

HF 5137 was introduced on May 12, 2026, and referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy committee.

Budget timeline:

The bill specifies funding for two consecutive fiscal years: 2026 and 2027, each at $2,000,000.

Legislative process:

As an appropriations bill, its success depends on passage by both chambers and approval by the governor, following the standard Minnesota budgeting process. The bill is in early committee stages.

Notes

The summary reflects the text provided, which only specifies the appropriation amounts and administrative agency without additional policy reforms or changes to program structure beyond funding authorization. If enacted, implementation details (grant processes, eligible activities, match requirements, reporting, and timelines for distributing funds) would typically be defined in BWSR rules and program guidelines.