Minnesota House Passes 2026 Legacy Bill
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed SF 1943, the 2026 Legacy Bill, on a bipartisan vote of 107-27. The bill, co-authored by Representative Samantha Vang (DFL – Brooklyn Park), contains $191 million in projects to restore, enhance, and protect habitat for fish, game, and wildlife across the state of Minnesota.
The bill funds 53 projects through Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, protecting and restoring nearly 69,000 acres of prairies, forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat while leveraging millions in additional federal, local, and private conservation investments.
“This bill reflects Minnesota values,” said Rep. Vang. “Whether you live in Greater Minnesota, the suburbs, or the metro, every Minnesotan deserves access to clean water, healthy wildlife habitat, and outdoor spaces that future generations can enjoy. These investments help preserve Minnesota’s natural heritage while making sure Legacy funding reaches communities across our entire state.”
SF 1943 includes targeted changes to expand access to Conservation Partners Legacy grants in urban and suburban communities, helping local governments and nonprofit organizations complete habitat restoration and outdoor recreation projects in areas that have historically received less Legacy investment.
The bill also:
Invests in prairie, wetland, forest, and river habitat restoration projects statewide;
Supports invasive carp prevention efforts to protect Minnesota waterways;
Funds projects to improve parks, trails, and public outdoor access;
Leverages approximately $15.1 million in additional conservation funding;
In 2008, Minnesotans voted to pass the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution. The amendment increased the sales tax by three-eighths of one percent and dedicated those funds to protecting and enhancing our state’s outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, arts, and cultural heritage. Since 2009, the Legacy Amendment has generated nearly $5.7 billion in funding for projects.
A recording of the floor debate and final vote will be posted here.
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