SF 3611

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to education finance; placing a one-year moratorium on certain school
district building projects for school districts serving fewer than 500 pupils.

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

Section 1. new text begin ONE-YEAR MORATORIUM; SMALL SCHOOL BUILDING
PROJECTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Review and comment. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, a "small
school district" means a school district that served fewer than 500 pupils in average
daily membership in fiscal year 2005. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary,
the commissioner of education must not issue a positive review and comment or
an unfavorable review and comment to a small school district for a school district
construction project under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.70, for one year following
the effective date of this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Sale and issuance of bonds prohibited. new text end

new text begin A small school district must not
sell or issue bonds for school facilities purposes under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 475,
for one year following the effective date of this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Exemption from prohibition. new text end

new text begin A small school district that receives a grant
from the state's bond proceeds fund according to a law passed in calendar year 2006 is not
subject to the provisions of subdivision 1 or 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Study and report. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of education must examine the
condition of school buildings in small school districts and evaluate the opportunities
and impediments to small school districts efficiently providing school facilities to their
students. The study must also examine the current state incentives for school district
consolidation and school building projects. The study must also investigate the link
between newer school district facilities and student performance. The commissioner must
report the results of the study by January 15, 2007, to the house of representatives and
senate committees having jurisdiction over kindergarten through grade 12 education.
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