S.F. No. 4379 Summary

• Appropriates funds from the general fund in fiscal year 2023 to the Commissioner of Administration to contract with the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota for weather trends research.

• Requires research to determine how projected future weather conditions (drought, elevated temperatures, flooding) may weaken natural systems' ability to mitigate these conditions.

• Directs research to identify human interventions needed through changes in infrastructure design, operation, and scale, and agricultural and forest management practices to achieve five goals: extend infrastructure lifespan, maintain food and wood production, reduce forest fire risk, enhance water quality, and maintain natural habitats.

• Requires the Institute on the Environment director to submit a written report to legislative committee chairs and ranking minority members with primary jurisdiction over environment policy and capital investment by February 1, 2024, including findings, recommendations, and any legislative recommendations.

• Effective date is the day following final enactment.