Legislative Update: Heintzeman: 05.30.25

Legislative Update

Friends,

The 2025 legislative session officially wrapped up on May 19. Like many sessions before it, this one had its share of twists and turns. While we made solid progress on a number of our priorities, we didn’t quite get everything across the finish line before the deadline. That means we’ll be heading into a special session to finish the job and take care of the remaining work Minnesotans are counting on us to complete.

Environment Bill Reaches the Finish Line

One area where I’m especially encouraged is the Environment bill. As co-chair of the House Environment Finance and Policy Committee, I’m happy to report that the working group has come to an agreement. The final bill will be ready for a vote once the special session begins.

Here are some of the big wins we were able to deliver:

• Ending the Shotgun Zone: Originally created for game control, the shotgun zone is now outdated and harmful to the ecosystem due to the out-of-control growth in the whitetail deer population.
• Community Grants Program: Now accepting applications for aquatic invasive species management and trail maintenance requests. This program is the only funding source dedicated to maintaining our trails – an essential part of Minnesota’s outdoor experience.
• Year-Round Bass Fishing: Bass fishing season is now year-round, similar to crappie fishing, giving anglers more opportunity to enjoy the sport.
• Environmental Permitting Reform: This is the biggest win in the bill and a major step toward cutting red tape and protecting Minnesota’s economy. The reforms will:
  • Speed up permitting by streamlining complex reviews and allowing local governments to act more quickly on feedlot applications – helping farmers, small businesses, and job creators get projects off the ground faster.
  • Eliminate bureaucratic waste by removing duplicative environmental paperwork when a full Environmental Impact Statement is already required –saving applicants time and money.
  • Stop out-of-town interference by ensuring that only local residents or neighboring counties can file petitions for discretionary environmental reviews. This ends the practice of distant activist groups stalling local projects with frivolous objections.
  • Increase transparency and accountability by requiring the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to report on delays in wetland-related permits – helping shine a light on bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

This legislation strikes a balanced approach by protecting Minnesota’s natural resources while supporting a strong, growing economy. We don’t have to choose between environmental stewardship and economic progress – we can achieve both and this is a welcome example.

Fox 9 - Couples at the Capitol

Beyond the environment bill, I want to share a quick note about a recent interview I did on Fox 9 with my wife Kerri, who recently became a state senator, and fellow legislators Marion and Jason Rarick. We had a fun conversation about the unique experience of serving together as married couples at the Capitol. You can watch the interview by clicking the video below. 

Looking Ahead

Thank you for your continued trust and support. It’s a privilege to represent our communities, and I take that responsibility seriously. As we head into the upcoming special session, I’ll keep working to make sure the unfinished business at the Capitol is handled in a way that reflects the values and priorities of our district.

I will be sure to keep you informed throughout the process.

Have a great weekend, 

Josh