SF4671

Purpose

The bill creates a new facilities grant program funded by the general fund to support cooperative units that provide special education services or Career and Technical Education (CTE). The Department of Education would administer this program with money appropriated in the bill.

Key Provisions

• Eligible applicants: A cooperative unit described in Minnesota Statutes section 123A.24 subdivision 2, which is organized to provide special education services or CTE, is eligible to apply for a facilities grant.
• Application process: Eligible cooperatives must apply to the commissioner using a form and process determined by the commissioner.
• Authorized uses: Grant funds may be used for purposes allowed under Minnesota Statutes section 126C.10 subdivision 14 (clauses 1 through 12).
• Grant size: Each grant award may not exceed $2,000,000.
• Administrative funding: A portion of the appropriation may be used for grant administration, up to a certain percent, as allowed by Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14.

Funding and Administration

• Appropriation: The bill authorizes an appropriation from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal year specified in the bill.
• Program administration: The Department of Education (via the commissioner) would manage the grant program, including processing applications and awarding grants.
• Administrative cap: The bill allows up to a specified percentage of the appropriation to be used for administering the grants.

What this means in practice

• This bill creates a targeted funding mechanism to help cooperative units that operate special education or CTE programs with facilities-related needs.
• It sets a maximum grant amount, defines who can apply, and ties allowable project uses to existing state statutes.
• It also provides for a share of funds to cover the costs of running the program.

Significant changes to existing law

• Establishes a new, named facilities grant program administered by the Department of Education.
• Adds a new funding pathway using general fund dollars for cooperative units focused on special education and CTE facilities.
• Integrates with existing statutory authorities on allowable uses of funds and grant administration.

Relevant terms - cooperative unit - special education services - Career and Technical Education (CTE) - facilities grant - Department of Education - Minnesota Statutes 123A.24 - Minnesota Statutes 126C.10 - Minnesota Statutes 16B.98 - grant administration - general fund appropriation - grant cap ($2,000,000) - application form and process (as determined by the commissioner)