This bill proposes the creation of a Realtime Stenographic Writer Training Grant Program in Minnesota. The program, administered by the Office of Higher Education, aims to increase the number of trained court reporters and closed captioners by providing grants to eligible educational institutions.

Key Provisions:

1. Definition: A realtime stenographic writer is a professional who uses a stenographic machine and phonetic shorthand to transcribe spoken words into text.

2. Grant Program Establishment:

   • The Office of Higher Education will oversee the program and award grants to eligible institutions.
   • Applicants must describe how they will train more stenographic writers and sustain the program beyond the grant period.

3. Grant Awards:

   • Two annual grants of $300,000 each will be awarded starting in the 2025-2026 academic year until funds are exhausted.
   • One grant will go to an institution in the seven-county metropolitan area, and the other to an institution outside this area.
   • Preference will be given to institutions that:
     • Have strong capacity to expand training.
     • Partner with educational institutions, businesses, or labor organizations to provide training or job placement.
     • Propose innovative training or job placement initiatives.

4. Scholarships & Individual Grants:

   • Institutions can use grant funds for student scholarships or grants based on financial need.
   • Recipients must commit to working as a stenographic writer for six months per funded semester.
   • If a recipient does not meet this work requirement, repayment may be required, though waivers could be granted due to economic hardships.

5. Reporting Requirements:

   • Institutions that receive grants must submit annual progress reports to the Office of Higher Education.
   • These reports should assess the program's effectiveness and identify best practices for training and job placement.
   • The commissioner will then report to the legislature with findings and recommendations.

Purpose:

The bill seeks to address shortages in the profession of realtime stenographic writers by expanding training opportunities and job placement support.

Funding:

The bill appropriates state funds for this program but does not specify the total amount allocated beyond the two annual $300,000 grants.

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