HF 4019 Minnesota House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer appropriation permits eligibility criteria expanded.

This bill expands eligibility criteria for water-use permits from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer in Minnesota, directly affecting water resource management and permit applicants. It requires that new permits only be issued for potable water or agricultural irrigation outside metropolitan counties, ensures no feasible alternatives to this water source exist, and mandates inclusion of a water conservation plan with each permit. The changes modify existing state statutes to add these specific conditions that must be met before the commissioner can approve new water appropriations from this aquifer.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 5, 2026 Last action Apr 7, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduction → 1st Engrossment · 4 edits · Apr 7, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was updated from its introduction to its first engrossment, incorporating significant new restrictions and requirements for issuing water-use permits from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer. The changes expand the scope of the bill by adding specific exemptions for agricultural irrigation in certain counties and introducing mandatory water quality testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nitrates, and pesticides. These updates aim to better protect the aquifer by ensuring water conservation plans are in place and by monitoring for harmful contaminants.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include specific conditions for issuing permits for agricultural irrigation in seven named counties, whereas the original version had a single, broader restriction.

ELIGIBILITY

Added specific exemptions allowing new water-use permits for agricultural irrigation in Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, and Sherburne counties, provided strict conditions are met.

REQUIREMENT

Mandated that applicants for irrigation permits in the specified counties must conduct water quality testing for PFAS, nitrates, and pesticides after a permit is granted.

Defined 'growing crop' to exclude permanent pastures, hay meadows, and woodlots to clarify which agricultural uses qualify for the new irrigation exemption.

Restructured the general permit requirements into a detailed list of conditions, including a 50-million-gallon annual limit for irrigation permits and mandates for monitoring equipment and aquifer testing.

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Committee

Apr 7, 2026

Lower · Passed

Committee report, to adopt as amended

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Introduced

Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

lower

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor