Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to reallocate funding for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research and amend previous legislation regarding the same. It intends to ensure ongoing research collaboration between the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic to improve the lives of ALS patients and work towards finding a cure.

Main Provisions

• Cancellation and Reallocation of Funds: The bill cancels a $15,000,000 appropriation from the general fund intended for ALS research previously managed by the Office of Higher Education. Instead, this amount is reappropriated for the fiscal year 2026 directly to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota. This funding will be used in partnership with the Mayo Clinic to conduct research into ALS.

• Reporting Requirements: Starting January 15, 2026, the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents must provide an annual report to the legislature. This report will detail the usage of the funds by the University-Mayo Clinic collaboration until January 15, 2030, or until the allocated funds are fully expended.

• One-time Appropriation: The appropriation from the general fund is labeled as a one-time expenditure. The balances available from these funds do not revert back until June 30, 2029.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill repeals previous legislation (Laws 2022 chapter 42 section 2, as amended) that allocated ALS research funds through the Office of Higher Education. This change emphasizes a more focused research collaboration directly through a partnership between the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic.

• It shifts the responsibility for ALS research from a competitive grant program managed by the Office of Higher Education to a direct research initiative carried out by established institutions, allowing for a more streamlined approach to getting results.

Relevant Terms

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Appropriation
• University of Minnesota
• Mayo Clinic
• Collaborative Partnership
• General Fund
• Repealer
• Board of Regents
• Fiscal Year

This structured summary provides a clear explanation of the bill's intentions, key actions, and important changes to Minnesota's approach to ALS research funding.