Lawmakers in St. Paul found themselves short on time this week. Between the weekend snowstorm cancelling Monday’s activities and the Eid break on Thursday, legislative activity was mostly condensed to Tuesday and Wednesday. With the first deadline next Friday, committees will be racing to act on bills next week.

 

The House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday heard bills pertaining to vertical integration and exclusive contracts in meatpacking, the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, and banning cat declawing. The Senate Agriculture Committee heard a presentation for Women in Ag Day as well as bills on egg donations to food shelves, a proposed incubator farm, and a volumetric incentive for biofuel sales.

 

Bills this week:

HF 3651 (Harder)/SF 3840 (Klein) - State Fire Code alcohol-blended fuel equipment compatibility standards.

Summary: Allows ethanol dispensing equipment that is Underwriter Laboratories (UL) listed for E10, but with a manufacturer’s warranty for E15, to satisfy the requirements of the fire code.

Position: Support as written.

To our members: Without this change, many existing E10 dispensers would need to replace their dispensing equipment in order to dispense E15. When more retail stations offer higher ethanol blends, it helps create stronger and more reliable in-state demand for homegrown biofuels. That in turn supports the broader agricultural economy and reinforces an important value-added market for Minnesota agriculture.

Action taken by MFBF: Signed on to a letter of support with other agricultural organizations.

Status: Passed the House Public Safety Committee on 03/18/2026 and sent to the Agriculture Committee. Introduced in the Senate on 02/23/2026 and referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

 

SF 4263 (Kupec)/HF 4085 (Anderson, P.H.) - Biofuel sales volume incentive program establishment.

Summary: Creates a five cent per gallon incentive payment to eligible gas stations for sales of E15.

Position: Support as amended.

To our members: MFBF strongly supports the promotion and expanded use of grains for fuel, including government incentives to encourage the production and use of renewable fuels. When more retail stations offer higher ethanol blends, it helps create stronger and more reliable in-state demand for homegrown biofuels. That in turn supports the broader agricultural economy and reinforces an important value-added market for Minnesota agriculture.

Action taken by MFBF: Submitted written testimony in support of the bill.

Status: Laid over as amended in the Senate Agriculture Committee on 03/18/2026. Introduced in the House on 03/09/2026 and referred to the Agriculture Committee.

 

The MFBF public policy team and leadership are keeping track of everything that happens at the Capitol. Throughout the session, we will continue to provide updates and insight into our work on behalf of our members.