Legislation gives 4-H funding source

ST. PAUL -- Cities could donate to 4-H clubs under two bills senators tentatively passed Thursday.

Formal passage is expected in the next few days.

Sen. Kathy Saltzman, DFL-Woodbury, said she brought the proposal forward because when Washington County cut its 4-H funding, cities discovered they cannot legally donate funds to 4-H.

The measure passed on its own and also as part of an overall agriculture bill.

Part of the larger bill would define horses as livestock when they are raised for riding, farm work, competition or breeding stock. There has been discussion the past few years about how horses are treated under various state laws, such as for tax purposes.

Also, the measure requires tree-care providers to register with the Agriculture Department.