Summary of HF 3250 (2025-2026) — Outdoor Recreation License Plate Endorsement
Purpose and intent
- Establishes an Outdoor Recreation Endorsement that can be displayed on a vehicle’s license plate system to authorize motor vehicle access to all Minnesota state parks, state recreation areas, and state waysides larger than 50 acres.
- Integrates the endorsement into the existing license plate and registration framework, including use on license plates, related fees, public information, and exemptions.
- Creates a dedicated Outdoor Recreation Endorsement Account to fund operation and maintenance of the state park system and other outdoor recreation units.
Key provisions and changes
1) Access and endorsement mechanics
- Defines Outdoor Recreation Endorsement as a voluntary option when registering or renewing for passenger automobiles, noncommercial one-ton pickup trucks, motorcycles, or recreational motor vehicles.
- The endorsement is affixed as a sticker on the annual registration (yearly sticker) and is not transferable between vehicles.
- The endorsement provides the same access rights as a state parks permit, for entry into state parks, recreation areas, and waysides over 50 acres.
- Endorsement eligibility excludes certain vehicle classes (e.g., vehicles exempt from registration tax, dealer plates, commercial vehicles for carriers or rental trucks, special series plates, collector vehicles, limousines, buses, roadable aircraft, etc.).
2) Fees and funding
- Establishes a fee for the Outdoor Recreation Endorsement:
- 2027–2028: $15
- 2029–2030: $17
- 2031 and beyond: $19
- Endorsement fees and related registration fees are paid at the time of registration or renewal.
- Revenues from the endorsement go to the Outdoor Recreation Endorsement Account in the Natural Resources Fund and are available to the Commissioner of Natural Resources to operate and maintain the state park system and other outdoor recreation units.
- All other standard plate and sticker fees remain in place; the endorsement sticker is a separate, distinct design and color.
3) Administration and implementation
- Requires the Department of Public Safety (in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources) to:
- Add an option for the Outdoor Recreation Endorsement on registration forms.
- Provide public information about benefits, eligibility, and cost differences versus traditional state park permits or special plates.
- Develop a dedicated, non-transferable endorsement sticker with a distinctive design.
- Update self-service registration kiosks to include endorsement processing (starting 2027 effective date).
- Ensure data privacy and proper data handling per state standards.
4) Public information and transparency
- The DNR and DPS must publish information on the endorsement, including:
- Access benefits for all eligible parks, recreation areas, and waysides larger than 50 acres.
- Availability through standard registration processes.
- Eligible vehicle types and restrictions, including non-transferability of the endorsement sticker.
- FAQs and contact information.
5) Public safety and enforcement
- Endorsement holders receive the same access rights as state park permits, with compliance monitoring and potential penalties for noncompliance similar to other permit requirements.
- Temporary permits and related display rules are updated to include the endorsement on renewal or new registrations (where applicable).
6) Related statutory alignment
- Amends multiple Minnesota Statutes (sections 85.053, 168.002, 168.012, 168.0135, 168.09, 168.12, 168.27, 168.29, 169.79) to insert the new endorsement concept, establish the endorsement account, and align with existing plate issuance, renewal, and replacement frameworks.
- Aligns with proposed amendments to allow endorsement-related activity effective January 1, 2027 for endorsements issued on or after that date.
Effective dates and appropriation
- The Outdoor Recreation Endorsement takes effect January 1, 2027 for endorsements issued on or after that date.
- The appropriation in Sec. 13 provides funding in fiscal year 2026 to implement the endorsement, available through June 30, 2029.
- Several sections specify that the endorsement and its processes are optional and contingent upon ongoing administrative implementation.
Potential impact
- For outdoor enthusiasts: A new financing and access option to use state parks and recreation areas via a standalone endorsement rather than a traditional state park permit.
- For vehicle owners: An additional cost at registration, with a clearly differentiated sticker and non-transferable endorsement.
- For state agencies: A dedicated revenue stream to support maintenance and operation of parks and outdoor recreation facilities, potentially improving access and conservation funding.
- For policy administration: Requires updates to registrations, kiosks, dealer workflows, and public outreach to ensure clear understanding and compliant use.
Notes
- The bill includes an appropriation for initial implementation and directs agencies to publish information about the endorsement and its benefits.
- Overall, HF 3250 creates a targeted, user-fee-based mechanism to fund and facilitate access to Minnesota’s park and outdoor recreation system while tightly integrating with existing vehicle registration infrastructure.
