Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer water appropriations authorized.

HF 647 amends Minnesota law to regulate new water permits from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer. It requires the commissioner to deny new permits for drinking water unless there are no feasible alternatives, a conservation plan using best practices is included, and the permit meets other water regulations. For non-drinking water use (like industrial), permits are only allowed outside metropolitan counties unless the same strict conditions apply. This directly affects municipalities, businesses, or agricultural users seeking new water access from this aquifer. The bill focuses on preventing new appropriations without proven necessity and strong conservation measures.