HF 3759

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/30/2022 01:14pm

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; appropriating money for a weather resilience program
in the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION
SERVICE WEATHER READY PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin (a) $....... in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board of Regents
of the University of Minnesota for a program in the University of Minnesota Extension
Service that will enhance the capacity of the state's agricultural sector, land and resource
managers, and communities to plan for and adapt to weather extremes like droughts and
floods. The base in fiscal year 2024 is $....... and the base in fiscal year 2025 is $0.
new text end

new text begin (b) This appropriation shall be used to support existing extension service staff members
and to hire additional staff members for a program with broad geographic reach throughout
the state. The program shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) identify, develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs that increase the
capacity of Minnesota's agricultural sector, land and resource managers, and communities
to adapt and be prepared for projected physical changes in temperature, precipitation, and
other weather parameters that affect crops, lands, horticulture, pests, and wildlife in ways
that present challenges to the state's agricultural sector and the communities that depend on
it; and
new text end

new text begin (2) communicate and interpret the latest research on critical weather trends and the
science behind them to further prepare extension service staff throughout the state to educate
the agricultural sector, land and resource managers, and community members at the local
level regarding technical information on water resource management, agriculture and forestry,
engineering and infrastructure design, and emergency management that is necessary for the
development of strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme weather change.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end