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SF2448 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Regional library systems appropriation and prior appropriations modifications

Related bill: HF1790

AI Generated Summary

This bill, Senate File No. 2448, proposes amendments to a prior appropriation related to arts and cultural heritage funding for regional library systems in Minnesota. Specifically, it makes the following key changes:

  1. Funding for Regional Library Systems:

    • Allocates $2,750,000 each year to the Minnesota Department of Education for grants to the 12 regional library systems.
    • The funding will support educational opportunities in arts, history, literary arts, and cultural heritage.
    • There is an emphasis on promoting and sharing the work of Minnesota authors, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
    • The funds will be distributed according to Minnesota Statutes and based on a specific formula (Minn. Stat. § 134.355, subdivisions 3-5).
    • The remaining 25% of funds will be distributed proportionally among all qualifying system entities (e.g., public libraries, regional library headquarters, counties, and outreach programs).
    • The money can be used to sponsor regional library programs or provide grants for local arts and cultural heritage programs in partnership with regional libraries.

  2. Extension of Fund Availability:

    • The funding, initially set to expire on June 30, 2026, is now extended to June 30, 2027 for any appropriations encumbered as grants or contracts.

  3. Water Safety Grant Program:

    • The bill appropriates $250,000 for the first year to support a water safety grant program administered by the Minnesota Department of Education.
    • Grants will be available to nonprofit organizations and city/county recreation programs that offer youth swimming lessons.
    • The primary focus will be providing scholarships for low-income and at-risk children to access swimming lessons.
    • Up to 15% of the funds may be used for hiring or training water safety instructors and lifeguards in nationally recognized safety practices.

Overall, this bill increases funding for libraries’ arts and cultural programs, strengthens funding allocation guidelines, extends the availability of previously appropriated funds, and introduces a water safety grant program to support youth swimming education.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Funds to sponsor programs by regional libraries or through grants to local arts and cultural heritage programs."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill involves allocation of funds for regional library systems under section 134.355.",
      "modified": [
        "Amends allocation formula to include diverse backgrounds among authors."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "134.355",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 3 to 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Extension of fund availability for grants and contracts made on or before June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Overrides section 16A.28 to allow funds encumbered by a certain date to remain available beyond the typical fiscal year.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the typical lapse period for funds, extending availability to June 30, 2027."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16A.28",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors