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Minnesota : 2025-2026 Regular Session : BILL  HF2310

Prior law prohibiting weather modification reenacted, and criminal penalties provided.

weather modification

Bill Details

Prior law prohibiting weather modification reenacted, and criminal penalties provided.

Bill summary (AI generated) 

Bill Summary:

This bill seeks to reenact prior legislation that prohibits weather modification in the state of Minnesota and introduces criminal penalties for violations. It establishes a framework for ensuring public safety, human health, and environmental welfare by preventing weather modification activities.

Key Provisions:

1. **Policy Statement**: The legislature asserts the necessity of protecting citizens from weather modification for safety and environmental reasons.
   
2. **Sovereign Right**: The state claims its sovereign right to protect its residents and ensure safety within its boundaries and the airspace above them.

3. **Definitions**: 
   - "Modification" refers to any intentional placement, injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or apparatus into the atmosphere to influence weather patterns.
   - "Person" encompasses various entities, including individuals, organizations, and public agencies.
   - "Weather" includes atmospheric conditions like temperature, pressure, sunlight intensity, and precipitation.

4. **Prohibition**: Engaging in weather modification activities within the state's boundaries or airspace is strictly prohibited.

5. **Penalties**: Offenders are guilty of a misdemeanor, with each day of violation considered a separate offense.

The bill is currently in the introductory stage, having been referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy.

History

The bill was filed in November 2024 and began its legislative journey by being assigned to several committees, including Environment and Natural Resources and Appropriations. It received a committee substitute from Environment and Natural Resources, then was moved to the Appropriations Committee, which also has the responsibility of reviewing and making adjustments to financial aspects of legislation. The bill had its first reading on March 13, 2025, and is currently still active, awaiting further committee discussions and potential votes. The next steps will involve a review by the Appropriations Committee, where members may debate and propose further amendments before it can advance to the full legislative assembly for a vote.
  • Thu 13 Mar 2025 Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Bill text (PDF)