HF 3387 Summary

• Establishes Minnesota farmers insurance pool allowing commissioner to contract with insurers for health coverage; pool must offer at least two benefit sets with varying coverage levels, with one option exempt from state-mandated benefits to permit lower premiums through cost-sharing, effective January 1, 2011.

• Modifies environmental review process by reducing environmental impact statement preparation timelines from 280 days to 120 days and requiring decisions on permits within 60 days of final statement approval; exempts small animal feedlots (under 1,000 units) and ethanol plants producing less than 125,000,000 gallons annually from mandatory environmental review.

• Creates job growth investment tax credit allowing 25 percent credit on investments in qualifying small businesses and green job small businesses, with limits of $100,000 per year for individuals and regional investment funds, effective July 1, 2010.

• Establishes water conservation credit for water-intensive businesses (ethanol plants, distilleries, food processing facilities) equal to five percent of expenses for water recycling system installation, with 15-year carryover period.

• Requires electronic licensing system to provide online templates for completing environmental assessment worksheets by governmental units, effective July 1, 2011.