SF2248

This bill proposes the creation of a grant program to support training and job placement for realtime stenographic writers, including court reporters and closed captioners, in Minnesota. The program would be managed by the Commissioner of the Office of Higher Education and provide two annual grants of $300,000 starting in the 2025-2026 academic year—one for an institution in the seven-county metropolitan area and one for an institution outside of it.

Grants would prioritize institutions that demonstrate strong capacity for training, promising collaborations with businesses or educational entities, or innovative approaches to training and job placement.

The bill also allows grant funds to be used for individual scholarships, provided recipients agree to work as realtime stenographic writers for a period proportional to the scholarship received. There would be provisions for repayment if employment conditions are not met, with possible waivers based on economic circumstances.

Institutions receiving grants must submit annual reports on the program’s impact, best practices, and outcomes. The Commissioner of Higher Education will then report findings and recommendations to the legislature.