SF 868

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 07/02/2019 02:48pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; establishing the no child left inside grant program;
appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
84.

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

Section 1.

[84.976] NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE GRANT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

The commissioner of natural resources must establish
and administer a program to provide grants for outdoor environmental, ecological, and other
natural-resource-based education and recreation programs serving youth.

Subd. 2.

Eligibility.

The commissioner may award grants under this section to public
entities or private nonprofit organizations.

Subd. 3.

Priorities.

In awarding grants under this section, the commissioner must give
priority to programs that:

(1) provide students with opportunities to directly experience and understand nature and
the natural world;

(2) use a research-based, effective environmental, ecological, agricultural, or other
natural-resource-based educational curriculum;

(3) maximize the number of participants that can be served;

(4) use state park and other natural resource venues and personnel as a resource; and

(5) commit matching funds or in-kind resources.

Subd. 4.

Rule exemption.

The commissioner is not subject to the rulemaking provisions
of chapter 14 in implementing this section, and section 14.386 does not apply.

Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.

$....... in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the .... fund to the commissioner of natural
resources for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.976.