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Bill

HF 3398

Winter sports conservation special license plates established, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Myers

Creates a Minnesota winter sports conservation license plate to fund habitat, winter recreation, and related conservation programs from plate sales and renewals.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Transportation Finance and Policy
#environment #motorvehicles
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Bill Summary · HF 3398

Bill Summary: HF 3398 (2025-2026) — Winter Sports Conservation Special License Plates Established, and Money Appropriated

Purpose and Intent

HF 3398 proposes to establish a new special license plate program in Minnesota dedicated to winter sports conservation. The core goal is to generate dedicated funding for conservation-related activities tied to winter sports, with revenues directed toward specified programs or projects that support winter recreation and wildlife/habitat protection.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of Special Plates

    • Creates a new winter sports conservation special license plate option for Minnesota vehicle owners.
    • Plate program is intended to function similarly to other Minnesota special plates (e.g., design, production, ordering process, and renewal requirements).

  • Funding and Appropriations

    • Specifies that revenue generated from the sale and renewal of the winter sports conservation plates will be deposited into a designated fund (often a dedicated conservation or wildlife account).
    • Provides an appropriation mechanism or set-aside amount(s) for specific winter-related conservation activities or programs.
    • May outline administrative costs or limitations on the portion of proceeds used for program administration versus conservation funding.

  • Eligible Uses of Funds

    • Funds are typically earmarked for programs related to winter sports conservation, habitat protection, wildlife management, trail maintenance, safety initiatives, or education related to winter recreation.
    • Could include grant-making authorities to non-profit partners or state agencies for approved winter conservation projects.

  • Plates Design and Production

    • Establishes criteria for plate design approval, issuance, replacement, and renewal.
    • Details on plate eligibility (e.g., vehicle types, restrictions, and eligibility criteria) consistent with other specialty plates.

  • Administrative and Oversight Provisions

    • Requires reporting or accountability measures to ensure funds are used as intended.
    • May include sunset provision, annual reporting, or legislative oversight requirements.
    • Addresses compliance with existing state tax and licensing code requirements.

  • Effective Date and Implementation Timeline

    • Likely to include an effective date after enactment and a reasonable timeline for production and public availability of the new plate.
    • May specify phased rollout or application window for plate design submission.

Affected Parties

  • Vehicle Owners in Minnesota

    • Individuals who choose to purchase or renew the winter sports conservation plate.
    • Potentially broader public benefits through enhanced conservation funding and winter recreation support.

  • State Agencies

    • Department of Public Safety (Driver and Vehicle Services) for plate issuance.
    • State environmental or natural resources agencies that oversee conservation programs and fund allocation.
    • Possible collaboration with tourism or outdoor recreation entities.

  • Nonprofit and Community Partners

    • Organizations involved in winter sports, wildlife habitat protection, and conservation education that may receive grants or contracts.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral

    • Introduced and referred on 2026-02-17 to the Transportation Finance and Policy committee.
    • Co-sponsored by Andrew Myers.

  • Next Steps in Legislative Process

    • Committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes will determine final passage.
    • If enacted, regulatory and administrative steps would follow to design the plate and set up the funding mechanism.

Potential Impacts

  • Conservation Funding Increase: Creates a dedicated revenue stream to support winter-conservation initiatives beyond general appropriations.
  • Public Awareness: Promotes winter sports conservation through a visible plate program.
  • Cost and Administrative Considerations: May include administrative costs and potential fees for plate issuance and renewal that accompany specialty plates.

This summary captures the bill’s stated purpose to create a winter sports conservation license plate program and allocate its revenues to related conservation efforts, along with who would be affected and the basic procedural path it will follow through the Minnesota Legislature.

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

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