SF3790

Purpose

• The bill aims to fund a new education facility in East Grand Forks by providing a state grant and issuing bonds. It would support a learning center that serves a regional Special Education program and various students with special needs.

Main Provisions

• Subdivision 1 – Appropriation:

  • An amount of $6,500,000 is appropriated from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of education.
  • The funds are for a grant to Area Special Education Cooperative No. 997 to predesign, design, construct, renovate, furnish, and equip an education learning center.
  • The center would house a regional educational program for students with autism, cognitive disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and other students with specific educational needs. It includes space for a Level IV setting regional special education program.
  • The appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes section 16A.695 and does not require a nonstate match.

• Subdivision 2 – Bond Sale:

  • The money appropriated in Subdivision 1 may be provided by selling and issuing state bonds up to $6,500,000.
  • Bond issuance must follow the terms and effects of Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and the Minnesota Constitution, Article XI, sections 4 to 7.

Location

• East Grand Forks. The facility is intended to house a regional special education program for the area.

Eligible Programs and Settings

• The project targets a regional educational program for students with autism, cognitive disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and other specific educational needs.
• It includes space for a Level IV setting regional special education program, indicating a high-need, intensive educational setting.

Nonstate Match

• The appropriation does not require a nonstate match.

Compliance with Existing Law

• The appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes section 16A.695.
• Bonding is to be conducted under Minnesota Statutes sections 16A.631 to 16A.675 and the Minnesota Constitution Article XI sections 4 to 7.

Significant Changes to Law (in effect by this bill)

• Creates a new capital investment project in East Grand Forks funded by a state grant and bonds.
• Authorizes the sale of up to $6.5 million in state bonds to finance the construction, design, and equipping of an education learning center for special education services.
• Directs funding to Area Special Education Cooperative No. 997 for a regional program, expanding capacity for autism, cognitive disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and related educational needs.

Relevant Terms - Area Special Education Cooperative No. 997 - education learning center - East Grand Forks - regional educational program - students with autism - cognitive disabilities - emotional and behavioral disorders - Level IV setting - regional special education program - nonstate match - bond proceeds fund - bond sale / bonds - Minnesota Statutes 16A.695 - Minnesota Statutes 16A.631-16A.675 - Minnesota Constitution Article XI (4-7)