MN HF683

Establishes a Legislative Water Commission composed of 12 members: six senators (three majority party, three minority party) and six representatives (three majority party, three minority party), appointed by their respective party leaders.

Commission members serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may elect a chair, vice chair, secretary, and other officers to conduct business as needed.

Commission shall review water policy reports and recommendations from the Environmental Quality Board, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources, and other water-related agencies, and make recommendations to assist the legislature in formulating legislation.

Commission may conduct public hearings, secure data and comments, and share compiled information with the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, Clean Water Council, and standing committees of the legislature.

Appropriates $180,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2014 and $167,000 for fiscal year 2015 to the Legislative Coordinating Commission to support the commission's operations; commission expires July 1, 2018.