Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF4311

Introduced
2/26/24  

Caption

Agricultural fertilizer research fee and program extension; drinking-water fee for nitrogen and a private well drinking-water assistance program establishment; testing of biosolids for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances requirement; appropriating money

Impact

If enacted, SF4311 would significantly impact existing state regulations regarding agricultural practices and water safety. The bill seeks to ensure that agricultural activities do not compromise the quality of drinking water through more stringent testing and regulation of fertilizer use. The introduction of fees for nitrogen and the establishment of assistance programs aims to help mitigate the costs associated with maintaining water quality, demonstrating a proactive approach to environmental stewardship.

Summary

SF4311 focuses on the extension of the agricultural fertilizer research fee and the establishment of a drinking-water fee aimed at addressing nitrogen levels. The bill also introduces a private well drinking-water assistance program and mandates the testing of biosolids for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These measures reflect an increased commitment to improving water quality and mitigating the environmental impact of agricultural practices in the state.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SF4311 may include concerns about the financial implications for farmers and agricultural businesses due to the newly introduced fees. Some stakeholders may argue that additional costs could burden local farmers, while others may highlight the necessity of such measures to protect public health and environmental quality. The requirement for testing biosolids also raises discussions about the balance between agricultural productivity and environmental safety, showcasing the ongoing debate about regulatory oversight in the agricultural sector.

Companion Bills

MN HF4135

Similar To Agricultural fertilizer research fee and program extended by one year, drinking-water fee established for nitrogen fertilizer and private well drinking-water assistance program, testing of biosolids for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances required, reports required, and money appropriated.

Previously Filed As

MN LD493

An Act to Expand Testing for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Private Drinking Water Wells

MN SB1313

Drinking water: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

MN HF3957

Minnesota Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council and the Agriculture Research, Education, Extension, and Technology Transfer grant program authority modified.

MN SF1575

Biofertilizer water preservation program establishment and appropriation

MN SF3577

Drinking water contaminate mitigation program establishment

MN SF429

A bill for an act providing for a pilot program to reduce the use of commercial nitrogen-based fertilizers to produce crops, and making appropriations.

MN HF942

A bill for an act providing for a pilot program to reduce the use of commercial nitrogen-based fertilizers to produce crops, and making appropriations.(Formerly HSB 165.)

MN H1019

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

MN LD1326

An Act to Protect the Drinking Water for Consumers of Certain Water Systems by Establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels for Certain Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

MN A3112

Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.

Similar Bills

MN SF1575

Biofertilizer water preservation program establishment and appropriation

MN HF2683

Biofertilizer innovation and efficiency program established, rulemaking required, and money appropriated.

MN HF1704

Department of Agriculture, the Board of Animal Health, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, and the Office of Broadband Development budget established; policy and technical changes made to agricultural and broadband provisions; rulemaking authorized; reports required; and money appropriated.

MN HF2446

Agriculture and broadband development policy and finance bill.

MN HF3531

Certain retail fuel transactions exempted from retail delivery fee.

MN SF3866

Certain retail fuel transactions retail delivery fee exemption provision

MN HF4575

Plant and soil amendment labeling requirements clarified, guaranteed analysis of soil and plant amendments modified, and applicants submitting plant and soil amendment registration required to submit a certificate of composition.

MN SF4925

Plant and soil amendment labeling requirements clarification