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SF2448 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Regional library systems appropriation and prior appropriations modifications

Related bill: HF1790

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill seeks to allocate government funds to support Minnesota's regional library systems and water safety education. It aims to enhance educational opportunities related to arts, history, and cultural heritage and promote safety through swimming lessons for youth.

Main Provisions

  • Library System Funding:

    • The bill appropriates $2,750,000 each year to the Minnesota Department of Education for grants to the 12 Minnesota regional library systems.
    • These funds are intended for providing educational opportunities in the arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage of Minnesota.
    • The funding should also promote and share works of Minnesota authors, particularly from diverse backgrounds.
    • The allocation of funds is based on specific formulas in the Minnesota Statutes, with an additional distribution proportional to the number of qualifying system entities.
    • Libraries, regional library system headquarters, counties, outreach service programs are eligible entities for the funding.
    • The funds can be used by regional libraries for programs or facilitating local arts and cultural heritage initiatives in partnership.

  • Water Safety Grant Program Funding:

    • The bill assigns $250,000 for the Water Safety Grant Program in its first year.
    • This program is intended for nonprofit organizations, city, and county parks and recreation programs that provide swimming lessons to youth.
    • The grants prioritize scholarships for low-income and at-risk children.
    • Up to 15% of these funds may be utilized for hiring or training water safety instructors and lifeguards in recognized safety practices.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Extends the availability of appropriations for library and water safety grants from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, for grants or contracts committed by June 30, 2026.

Relevant Terms

  • Minnesota regional library systems
  • Arts and cultural heritage
  • Educational grants
  • Water safety
  • Scholarships for low-income children
  • Swimming lessons
  • Minnesota authors

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A provision to distribute remaining funds based on the number of qualifying entities."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the allocation formulas for regional library system grants by referencing section 134.355.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "134.355"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "An extension for the availability of appropriations encumbered as grants or contracts."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill includes provisions affecting the availability of appropriations, notwithstanding existing rules in section 16A.28.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "16A.28"
  }
]

Sponsors