SF 1312

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/14/2019 04:18pm

A bill for an act
relating to human services; establishing adaptive fitness access grants; requiring
a report; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 256.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [256.488] ADAPTIVE FITNESS ACCESS GRANT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Title. new text end

new text begin This act may be cited as the "Adaptive Fitness Access Grant
Program."
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) "Adaptive fitness" means the practice of physical fitness by an
individual with primary physical disabilities, either as a consequence of the natural aging
process or due to a developmental disability, mental health issue, congenital condition,
trauma, injury, or disease.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Adaptive fitness center" means a center with modified equipment, equipment
arrangement and space for access, and trainers with skills in modifying exercise programs
specific to the physical and cognitive needs of individuals with disabilities.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Disability" has the meaning given in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin Evidence-based research demonstrates the importance of fitness
for all populations, including individuals with disabilities. A statewide adaptive fitness
access grant program is established under the Department of Human Services to award
grants to promote access to adaptive fitness for individuals with disabilities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Application and review. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must develop a grant application
that must contain, at a minimum:
new text end

new text begin (1) a description of the purpose or project for which the grant will be used;
new text end

new text begin (2) a description of the specific problem the grant intends to address;
new text end

new text begin (3) a description of achievable objectives, a work plan, and a timeline for implementation
and completion of processes or projects enabled by the grant;
new text end

new text begin (4) a description of the existing frameworks and experience providing adaptive fitness;
and
new text end

new text begin (5) a proposed process for documenting and evaluating results of the grant.
new text end

new text begin (b) An applicant must apply using the grant application developed by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall review each application. The commissioner shall establish
criteria to evaluate applications, including but not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) the application is complete;
new text end

new text begin (2) the eligibility of the applicant;
new text end

new text begin (3) the thoroughness and clarity in identifying the specific problem the grant intends to
address;
new text end

new text begin (4) a description of the population demographics and service area of the proposed project;
and
new text end

new text begin (5) the proposed project's longevity and demonstrated financial sustainability after the
initial grant period.
new text end

new text begin (d) In evaluating applications, the commissioner may request additional information
regarding a proposed project, including information on project cost. An applicant's failure
to timely provide the information requested disqualifies an applicant.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Awards. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall award grants to eligible applicants to
provide adaptive fitness for individuals with disabilities.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall award grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations that
provide adaptive fitness in adaptive fitness centers. Grants must be used to assist one or
more qualified nonprofit organizations to provide adaptive fitness, including: (1) stay fit;
(2) activity-based locomotor exercise; (3) equipment necessary for adaptive fitness programs;
(4) operating expenses related to staffing of adaptive fitness programs; and (5) other adaptive
fitness programs as deemed appropriate by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) An applicant may apply for and the commissioner may award grants for two-year
periods, and the commissioner shall determine the number of grants awarded. The
commissioner may reallocate underspending among grantees within the same grant period.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin By December 1, 2021, the commissioner of human services shall
submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over health and human services. The report shall, at a minimum, include
the amount of funding awarded for each project, a description of the programs and services
funded, plans for the long-term sustainability of the projects, and data on outcomes for the
programs and services funded. Grantees must provide information and data requested by
the commissioner to support the development of this report.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of human services to administer the grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 256.488.
new text end