The Committee on State and Local Government Operations and Oversight took up Olson's Star Lake proposal, which would recognize lake associations that voluntarily implement water-friendly lake management practices beyond what is currently required by law.

Olson's bill would establish a nonprofit Star Lake Board, to which lake associations seeking the Star Lake designation would be required to submit a lake or river management plan.

The Star Lake Board would be responsible for evaluating the plans and awarding the Star Lake designation to qualifying lake associations. The board would then work with these associations to leverage financial and technical assistance to meet the needs of the lake.

The State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Committee approved the Star Lake proposal, and moved the bill to the Senate Finance Committee.

Olson also presented legislation to put new Minnesota dock rules through a formal rule-making process before the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

Last month, the Department of Natural Resources issued rules that would allow platforms of up to 170 square feet at the end of lake docks. The general permit authorizing these platforms will last five years.

Olson's proposal would require the DNR to take the issue through the formal rule-making process at the same time shore land rule-making is taking place, as required in last year's legislative session.

"This bill does not attempt to set new rules for the size of docks in Minnesota," Olson said. "It simply asks the DNR to bring the public and the scientific community into the discussion through the formal rule-making process, in order to ensure we establish rules that are in the best interest of our lakes, our lakeshore owners and the public."

The committee passed the bill to the State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Committee.