HF 5076

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 04/02/2024 01:20pm

A bill for an act
relating to workforce development; creating the youth climate action fellowship
program; requiring a report; appropriating money for the program.

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

Section 1. new text begin YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section the following terms have
the meanings given.
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new text begin (b) "Youth climate action fellow" or "fellow" means a high school student participating
in the program.
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new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce.
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new text begin (d) "Community organization" means a nonprofit organization serving underrepresented
communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.
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new text begin (e) "Renewable energy company" means a business involved in the development,
production, or installation of renewable energy technologies.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program creation; purpose. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of commerce shall establish
and administer the youth climate action fellowship program in partnership with a community
organization that serves underrepresented communities disproportionately impacted by
climate change. The purpose of the program is to empower youth to become informed
advocates and leaders in addressing climate change through education, outreach, and career
exploration in renewable energy.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Program components. new text end

new text begin (a) The program must provide the following components:
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new text begin (1) a recruitment and training component that:
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new text begin (i) requires the commissioner to partner with the community organization to recruit a
diverse cohort of fellows annually; and
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new text begin (ii) provides fellows with training on climate science, renewable energy, popular
education techniques, and community organizing skills;
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new text begin (2) an education and action component in which fellows develop and deliver workshops
and presentations on climate change and renewable careers in schools, community centers,
and youth events;
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new text begin (3) a community engagement and advocacy component in which fellows:
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new text begin (i) organize community events on climate change and renewable energy;
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new text begin (ii) partner with local renewable energy companies for career shadowing and mentorship
opportunities; and
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new text begin (iii) advocate for climate action within their communities and local governments; and
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new text begin (4) a mentorship and sustainability component in which the partnering community
organization will connect fellows with mentors in resilience hubs for ongoing support and
guidance. Online platforms created for the program and alumni resources shall facilitate
continued learning and networking.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Report to legislature. new text end

new text begin By January 15, 2026, and each January 15 thereafter,
the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over energy and workforce
development on the program's effectiveness in:
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new text begin (1) increasing youth awareness and understanding of climate change and renewable
energy careers;
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new text begin (2) encouraging youth involvement in climate action activities;
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new text begin (3) supporting career development in the renewable energy sector; and
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new text begin (4) fostering collaboration among youth, community organizations, and renewable energy
companies.
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Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin $400,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of commerce for the youth climate action fellowship program. Money may be used for:
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new text begin (1) fellow stipends and training expenses;
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new text begin (2) program administration and outreach materials; and
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new text begin (3) partnership grants with community organizations and renewable energy businesses.
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