SF349

Purpose

This bill provides a one-time funding allocation from the general fund to the Department of Education to reimburse Independent School District No. 318 (Grand Rapids) for costs tied to removing and replacing an American Indian mascot, in order to comply with Minnesota law.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation to the Department of Education: A designated general fund amount is allocated for the fiscal year referenced in the bill.
• Reimbursement to Grand Rapids: The Department of Education must reimburse the district for costs related to removing and replacing the American Indian mascot on school facilities and equipment.
• Eligible costs: Reimbursement covers a wide range of items, including athletic uniforms, clocks, school signage, tribute markers, chairs, tables, entryway flooring, gymnasium flooring, athletic field artificial turf, and gymnasium wall mats.
• Eligibility window: Only expenses incurred by the district on or after June 1, 2023 are eligible for reimbursement.
• Compliance link: Reimbursement is for costs to comply with Minnesota Statutes section 121A.041.
• Time limit and type of funding: This is a one-time appropriation, available until June 30, 2027.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a targeted, one-time appropriation to reimburse a specific district (Grand Rapids) for removing and replacing an American Indian mascot, aligning with state statute requirements.
• Establishes a formal reimbursement mechanism administered by the Department of Education, rather than establishing ongoing funding for mascot-related costs.
• Clarifies that eligible expenditures must be incurred after a specific date (June 1, 2023) and must be for compliance with the referenced statute.

Implementation Notes

• The appropriation is specific to Independent School District No. 318 Grand Rapids and does not establish a broader or ongoing funding program for mascot removal.

Relevant Terms general fund; Department of Education; Independent School District No. 318; Grand Rapids; American Indian mascot removal; replacement costs; reimbursement; Minnesota Statutes section 121A.041; facilities; equipment; athletic uniforms; clocks; school signage; tribute markers; chairs; tables; entryway flooring; gymnasium flooring; athletic field artificial turf; gymnasium wall mats; incurred; June 1, 2023; one-time appropriation; available until June 30, 2027.