1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; appropriating money for efforts to ensure Department 
1.3 	of Natural Resources staff includes members of communities traditionally 
1.4 	underrepresented.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; STAFF FROM UNDERREPRESENTED 
1.7 	COMMUNITIES.
 1.8 	$900,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
1.9 	of natural resources to enhance department efforts to hire and retain employees who are 
1.10 	members of communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in the department's 
1.11 	staff. The commissioner must submit the following reports to the legislative auditor and to 
1.12 	the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction 
1.13 	over the environment and natural resources:
1.14 	(1) before spending any money appropriated in this section, a plan to enhance hiring 
1.15 	and retention of employees who are members of communities that have traditionally been 
1.16 	underrepresented in the department's staff; and
1.17 	(2) a quarterly report on expenditures of money appropriated in this section until all the 
1.18 	money is spent or the appropriation cancels.