The Minnesota House on the third reading approved House File 2563, the annual legacy bill that funds outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails and arts and cultural heritage, voting 115–19 to pass the measure.

The bill’s author, Representative Samantha Vang (Hennepin), said the package ‘‘allocates about $779,000,000 in projects’’ and described the bill as carrying out the intent of the 2008 Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. She told colleagues that the outdoor heritage portion follows recommendations from the Lessard‑Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and shifts emphasis toward restoring and enhancing habitat, and that the Clean Water Fund article follows Clean Water Council and governor recommendations.

Supporters and committee leaders from both parties framed the proposal as a broad, statewide investment in water, habitat, parks and cultural programs. Representative Vang and other members highlighted allocations within the four legacy areas: roughly $160 million in the outdoor heritage fund for projects preserving and enhancing habitat, about $304 million in the Clean Water Fund for water‑quality projects, approximately $130 million for parks and trails following the longstanding 40/40/20 split, and about $180 million for arts and cultural heritage programs. The bill funds scores of competitive grants that will flow to state agencies, local governments and conservation districts to carry out on‑the‑ground projects.

Members across the chamber made appeals to the statewide nature of the funding. Representative Hussain, vice chair of the legacy committee, said the bill ensures ‘‘every Minnesota from urban neighborhood or the greater Minnesota has access’’ to parks, water and cultural programming. Other members noted specific provisions, including funding for Minnesota FFA and funds routed through the Minnesota Humanities Center to expand grants for community identity and heritage projects.

Opponents raised specific points of concern on the floor about projects or groups they said had been excluded in this year’s package, and some members urged additional attention to particular communities. Representative Nash (Carver) said certain groups affected by the Vietnam War had not been named and urged that future grants address that gap.

The House took the roll call on the bill’s third reading and the clerk recorded 115 ayes and 19 nays. The clerk announced the bill passed and its title was agreed to.

The bill’s funding totals and program allocations in the House version will be considered further in conference with the Senate and in subsequent budget work; supporters urged colleagues to approve the House bill to keep appropriations on schedule.

Votes at a glance: House File 2563 — Third reading and passage; tally 115 yes, 19 no; outcome: approved.