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HF2484 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Library construction grant program renamed after Mary C. Murphy, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF2827

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide funding for library construction and improvements in Minnesota. It includes renaming the library construction grant program and allows for the sale and issuance of state bonds for library projects.

Main Provisions

  • Grants for Libraries: Public library jurisdictions such as regional library systems, cities, and counties can apply for grants to improve library access and facilities. This includes expanding existing buildings, constructing new libraries, or making renovations to enhance accessibility.

  • Grant Matching: Libraries must match the grant funds provided by the state with local funds.

  • Accessibility Grants: Libraries can receive up to $450,000 or 50% of the cost, whichever is less, to remove architectural barriers for accessibility in existing buildings. However, these grants cannot fund new building accessibility requirements.

  • Improvement Grants: Libraries can apply for grants up to $1,000,000 or 50% of the renovation costs. These funds can be used for major renovations, including addressing health or safety hazards.

  • Internet Policy Requirement: To qualify for grants, libraries must have a policy banning the use of their internet access for viewing or distributing obscene materials.

  • Grant Awards: The Commissioner of Education, with input from the state Council on Disability, will prioritize and award grants based on collaboration with other agencies, the financial burden of the community, project feasibility, and the need for the project.

  • Project Budget: Grant recipients must submit a detailed project budget and other necessary information to the Commissioner.

  • Sale of Improved Libraries: If a library funded by state bond proceeds is sold because it is no longer needed, proceeds must first repay the state for the bond funds used. Any remaining funds go to the local or regional owner.

Significant Changes

  • Renames the library grant program to the "Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grants Program."
  • Introduces a new requirement for library internet use policies to qualify for state grants.

Relevant Terms

library construction, state bonds, public library, accessibility, renovation, grant matching, obscene materials, Mary C. Murphy, Commissioner of Education, library improvement, regional library systems

Bill text versions

Upcoming committee meetings

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCapital Investment
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for public libraries to adopt a policy against viewing, printing, or distributing obscene material to qualify for grants."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Requirement for a policy against pornographic use of the Internet in public libraries.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "617.241",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Condition for the sale proceeds of a library improved with state bond proceeds to be first used to repay the state."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Regulations on the sale of public library properties funded with state bond proceeds.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "16A.695",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

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