The Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources on Nov. 19 instructed staff to prepare bill language to alter Minnesota Statute 116P.17, narrowing the Department of Natural Resources’ role in reviewing land acquisitions purchased with Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) dollars.

The motion, offered by Commissioner Michelle Beaman and approved by roll call, would return the statute to its original 2010 intent so DNR commissioner approval would apply only when land was being acquired with the expectation that it would be conveyed to the DNR for management. The motion also directs staff to add a 30‑day review period, replacing the current 10‑day deadline in statute.

Director Becca Nash told the commission that the statute was broadened in 2013 after language was added creating deed‑restriction and reversion provisions for ENRTF‑funded parcels. That expansion, Nash said, has created “confusion and significant timing delays” because it requires DNR review even when DNR won’t manage the land or provide funding.

Commission members debated the policy and legal tradeoffs through a lengthy discussion. Commissioner Michael Reese argued the provision allows an external party to overrule an approved appropriation late in the acquisition process and supported removal or narrowing of the DNR approval requirement. Senator Green said the provision served a useful role ensuring parcels selected by third parties fit state priorities, but acknowledged that extending the review timeline could address staff concerns about the current 10‑day window.

Catherine Sherman Hohen, agency‑wide grants manager at the DNR, said the agency would be able to administer the revised process under either approach and confirmed the DNR’s willingness to work with the commission on language.

The commission’s vote to have staff draft the 2010‑style revision with a 30‑day timeline passed on a roll call of 13‑0. Staff will present proposed bill language at the commission’s December meeting; if adopted by the commission, the language would be forwarded as a recommendation to the legislature.

What happens next: staff will prepare draft bill text for the commission to review in December. If the commission approves draft language, the change would require legislative action to become law.

Attribution: Director Becca Nash, LCCMR director, summarized the statutory history and presented staff options. Commissioner Michelle Beaman made the motion to prepare language. Catherine Sherman Hohen, DNR agency‑wide grants manager, answered agency implementation questions.

Ending: The commission instructed staff to return with bill language at the December meeting for a formal vote and possible recommendation to the legislature.