SF 3916 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wild rice risk justification before authorizing certain activities requirement provision

Minnesota's SF 3916 requires state agencies to prepare a "wild rice risk justification" before approving any activity that could harm wild rice waters. This applies to projects like construction, dredging, or water management in areas identified as supporting wild rice - such as waters listed by state agencies, near tribal lands, or where wild rice naturally grows. The justification must detail potential risks to wild rice, assess the likelihood and severity of damage, and explain why the proposed activity outweighs those risks. Agencies must also seek public input for 30 days and consult with Minnesota Tribal governments before finalizing permits. The bill directly affects state agencies, developers, and projects near wild rice habitats, ensuring decisions prioritize protecting this ecologically and culturally significant resource.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 26, 2026 Last action Feb 26, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 26, 2026
Committee
Referred to Environment, Climate, and Legacy
upper
Feb 26, 2026
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mary Kunesh-Podein
Mary Kunesh-Podein
DDemocratic-Farmer-Labor
MN
39