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SF 2414

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/14/2019 09:06am

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to education finance; increasing funding for school district and library
telecommunications purposes; requiring a report; appropriating money; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 134.355, subdivision 10; Laws 2016, chapter
189, article 30, section 24, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 134.355, subdivision 10, is amended to read:


Subd. 10.

Award of funds.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner of education deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end develop an
application and a reporting form and procedures for regional library telecommunications
aid. Aid deleted text begin shalldeleted text end new text begin mustnew text end be based on actual costs including, but not limited to, connections, as
documented in e-rate funding commitment decision letters for category one services and
acceptable documentation for category two services and funds available for this purpose.
The commissioner shall make payments directly to the regional public library system.

new text begin (b) On March 15 of 2020, 2021, and 2022, the commissioner of education must reallocate
any unspent amounts appropriated for paragraph (a) to regional library systems for broadband
innovation programs, including equipment purchases, hot spot access devices, and other
programs designed to increase Internet access.
new text end

new text begin (c) By January 15 of 2021, 2022, and 2023, the commissioner of education must report
to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over education on the previous fiscal year's
spending under this subdivision and make any recommendations for necessary program
changes.
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

Sec. 2.

Laws 2016, chapter 189, article 30, section 24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Broadband Wi-Fi hot spots.

(a) A school district is eligible for a
broadband hot spot grant not to exceed $50,000 to support wireless off-campus learning
through a student's use of a data card, USB modem, or other mobile broadband device that
enables the student to access learning materials available on the Internet through a mobile
broadband connection. A district's application for a grant under this subdivision must describe
its approach for identifying and prioritizing access for low-income students and others
otherwise unable to access the Internet and may include a description of local or private
matching grants or in-kind contributions.

(b) When evaluating applications, the commissioner may give priority to grant
applications that include local in-kind contributions. To the extent practicable, the
commissioner must distribute the grants to districts located throughout the state including
in urban areas, suburban areas, and in greater Minnesota.new text begin The commissioner may award a
grant to a school district that received a grant in fiscal year 2017.
new text end

(c) A school district may develop its application in cooperation with its community
education department, its adult basic education program provider, a public library, or other
community partner.

(d) A school district that qualifies for general education transportation sparsity revenue
under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.10, may apply to the commissioner of education
for a school bus Internet access grant as a part of its grant application under paragraph (a).
The commissioner of education must prioritize grants to districts with the longest bus routes.
A school district that receives a grant under this subdivision may use the grant to purchase
or lease equipment designed to make Internet access available on school buses, including
routers and mobile Wi-Fi hot spots to connect to the Internet, and may also purchase or
lease one-to-one devices for students. The one-to-one devices may be connected to the
Internet through the Wi-Fi hot spot or otherwise contain content for age-appropriate,
self-directed learning.

Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION; SCHOOL DISTRICT CONNECTIVITY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sums indicated in this section are
appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education in the fiscal year
designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin School district innovative connectivity grants. new text end

new text begin (a) For innovative connectivity
grants under Laws 2016, chapter 189, article 30, section 24:
new text end

new text begin $
new text end
new text begin 5,000,000
new text end
new text begin .....
new text end
new text begin 2020
new text end

new text begin (b) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Equity in telecommunications access. new text end

new text begin (a) For equity in telecommunications
access aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 125B.26:
new text end

new text begin $
new text end
new text begin 9,000,000
new text end
new text begin .....
new text end
new text begin 2020
new text end
new text begin $
new text end
new text begin 9,000,000
new text end
new text begin .....
new text end
new text begin 2021
new text end

new text begin (b) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Regional library telecommunications aid. new text end

new text begin (a) For regional library
telecommunications aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355:
new text end

new text begin $
new text end
new text begin 2,300,000
new text end
new text begin .....
new text end
new text begin 2020
new text end
new text begin $
new text end
new text begin 2,300,000
new text end
new text begin .....
new text end
new text begin 2021
new text end

new text begin (b) The 2020 appropriation includes $230,000 for 2019 and $2,070,000 for 2020.
new text end

new text begin (c) The 2021 appropriation includes $230,000 for 2020 and $2,070,000 for 2021.
new text end