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Josh Heintzeman




05.30.2025






*Legislative Update*

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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.

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*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* *Ending the Shotgun Zone:* Originally created for game control, the shotgun zone is now outdated and harmful to the ecosystem due to the out-of-control growth in the whitetail deer population.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.

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*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. 

hi [ [link removed] ]
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*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











For more information and periodic updates, check out my Legislative Facebook page at StateRepJoshHeintzeman [ [link removed] ]




2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.5364







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