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HF1552 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Matching requirements for the lower population density grant program modified.

Related bill: SF843

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

  • To modify the state’s broadband funding rules for the lower population density grant program, specifically by changing how much of a project’s cost can be covered with grants (the matching funding requirements).

Main provisions

  • Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 116J.3952, subdivision 2.
  • Grants awarded under this section may fund up to 75% to 90% of the total cost of a project.
  • Grants must otherwise adhere to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 116J.395 subdivisions 1 to 6 and subdivision 7 paragraph b.

What the bill seeks to accomplish

  • Increases the portion of project costs that can be funded by grants for broadband projects in areas with lower population density.
  • Maintains the overall framework of the lower population density broadband grant program by keeping alignment with the broader 116J.395 provisions.

Significant changes to existing law

  • The grant matching percentage under the lower population density broadband program is increased to allow coverage of up to 75% to 90% of total project costs, rather than a lower cap.
  • Retains the requirement that these grants follow the existing statutory framework (116J.395 subdivisions 1-6 and subdivision 7 paragraph b).

Potential implications

  • More broadband projects in sparsely populated areas may receive state support due to the higher allowable grant share.
  • Agencies must still comply with the broader program rules and sections referenced (116J.395).

Notes on terminology

  • Key terms from the bill include: broadband, lower population density grant program, grants, total cost, matching requirements, Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 116J.3952 subdivision 2, subdivisions 1 to 6, subdivision 7 paragraph b.

Relevant Terms - broadband - lower population density grant program - grants - total cost - matching requirements - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 116J.3952 subdivision 2 - 116J.395 subdivisions 1 to 6 - subdivision 7 paragraph b - project cost - state funding

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toAgriculture Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Increase in eligible grant coverage to up to 90% of total project cost."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116J.3952, subdivision 2, to modify the broadband lower population density grant program so grants may fund up to 90 percent of total project cost (previously 75 percent) and continue to adhere to the broader provisions in section 116J.395, subdivisions 1 to 6 and subdivision 7 paragraph b.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts required funding match percentage from 75% to 90%."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116J.3952",
    "subdivision": "2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Requires that grants under the broadband program continue to adhere to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 116J.395, subdivisions 1 through 6.",
      "modified": [
        "Affirms that the program under 116J.3952 must comply with subdivisions 1–6 of section 116J.395."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116J.395",
    "subdivision": "1 to 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Requires that grants under the broadband program also adhere to subdivision 7, paragraph b of section 116J.395.",
      "modified": [
        "Affirms that the program under 116J.3952 must comply with subdivision 7, paragraph b."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116J.395",
    "subdivision": "7 paragraph b"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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