MN SF4249

Creates new enforcement powers for the commissioner under Minnesota water law, including authority to issue orders, schedules of compliance, notices of violation, and conduct investigations with the ability to require monitoring equipment, reports, and testing.

Establishes a "duty of candor" requirement prohibiting persons from knowingly making false statements, failing to disclose necessary information, or offering false information regarding water appropriation matters.

Increases administrative penalty caps for water appropriation violations to $40,000 (previously capped at $20,000), with penalties scaled by severity: minor violations up to $1,000, moderate violations up to $10,000, and severe violations up to $20,000.

Allows the commissioner to issue non-forgivable penalties for repeated or serious violations even after corrective action is taken, with interest accruing at the statutory rate.

Creates civil penalty authority allowing district courts to assess penalties up to $10,000 per day of violation and to require defendants to compensate the state for restoration costs and natural resource damages caused by unauthorized water use.