MN HF2864

Establishes the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Office as an office within Explore Minnesota Tourism, with a director appointed by the governor in consultation with the commissioners of natural resources and employment and economic development.

Office purposes include promoting outdoor recreation economy participation, creating resource inventories, coordinating policy among agencies, marketing opportunities, supporting outdoor recreation businesses, recruiting businesses, promoting accessibility for people with disabilities, enhancing public health, supporting educational programs, and collecting data on outdoor recreation impact and accessibility for underserved populations.

Director must submit a strategic plan to legislative committees by January 15, 2020, developed in consultation with the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council and commissioners of natural resources, health, transportation, and employment and economic development.

Director must submit annual reports to the legislature beginning January 1, 2021, detailing donations received, accomplishments, recommendations, and findings from the preceding fiscal year.

Director may accept gifts and grants, which are deposited in a special revenue fund account and appropriated for purposes specified in the gift or grant; nothing in this section impacts the regulatory authority of other state agencies.