SF449

Purpose

• To provide funding for public television in Minnesota through three types of grants and to establish a decision-making process for allocating these funds.

Main Provisions

• Creates appropriations from the general fund for public television under Minnesota Statutes section 129D.13, divided into three grant programs:
  • Matching grants for public television: 1,750,000 in fiscal year 2026 and 1,750,000 in fiscal year 2027.
  • Public television equipment grants: 350,000 in fiscal year 2026 and 350,000 in fiscal year 2027.
  • Block grants to public television: 1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and 1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• The commissioner of administration must consider the recommendations of the Minnesota Public Television Association before allocating the funds for matching grants and equipment grants.

Financial Details

• Source: General fund.
• Timeframe: Fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
• Total per grant type over the two years (as specified):
  • Matching grants: 3,500,000 total.
  • Equipment grants: 700,000 total.
  • Block grants: 2,000,000 total.
• All grants are tied to Minnesota Statutes section 129D.13.

Governance/Process

• The allocation of funds for matching grants and equipment grants must take into account recommendations from the Minnesota Public Television Association.
• The support is structured as an appropriation under existing public television grant authorities.

Significance / Changes to Law

• Establishes explicit general-fund appropriations for three public television grant programs for FY2026 and FY2027.
• Introduces a formal requirement that the Commissioner of Administration consider input from the Minnesota Public Television Association before distributing certain grant funds.
• Aligns with and references Minnesota Statutes section 129D.13, clarifying how these funds are administered and allocated.

Relevant Terms - public television - general fund - matching grants - equipment grants - block grants - Minnesota Public Television Association - Minnesota Statutes section 129D.13 - Commissioner of Administration - fiscal year 2026 - fiscal year 2027 - appropriation - grants