SF3982

Purpose

Provide a one-time state general-fund appropriation to the Department of Education to grant Independent School District No. 535 Rochester a school-based mental health program. The grant is intended to continue activities that were originally funded by a U.S. Department of Education (federal) grant but were later canceled by the state Department of Education.

Main Provisions

• A designated general-fund appropriation to the Department of Education for a grant to Rochester’s ISD 535 for a school-based mental health program.
• The grant must be used to continue activities that were part of the U.S. Department of Education’s original federal grant for school-based mental health, which the state department had canceled.
• Eligible uses of the grant are those allowed under the U.S. Department of Education’s original approval of the federal grant.
• Up to two percent of the appropriation may be used for grant administration, notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14.
• This is a one-time appropriation and remains available until June 30, 2029.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes a new one-time funding stream from the general fund specifically for a Rochester school-based mental health program.
• Temporarily allows up to 2% of the appropriation to be used for grant administration, modifying the typical administrative cost limit referenced in Minnesota statutes (16B.98 subdivision 14).

Funding and Administration Details

• Source: General fund, for the fiscal year designated in the act.
• Recipient: Independent School District No. 535 Rochester.
• Oversight: Department of Education administers the grant and ensures alignment with the original federal grant approvals.
• Duration: Available until June 30, 2029 (one-time appropriation).

Implications and Impact

• Aims to restore or sustain school-based mental health services in Rochester by reactivating or continuing programs funded by a federal grant that was canceled.
• Provides administrative flexibility up to 2% to manage the grant.
• Clarifies that the funded activities should mirror those originally approved by the federal grant.

What is Noted (Context)

• The bill specifies the use of funds for a school-based mental health program in Rochester and references alignment with the original U.S. Department of Education approval.

Relevant Terms - general fund - Department of Education - Independent School District No. 535 Rochester - school-based mental health program - U.S. Department of Education - federal grant - grant administration - two percent (2%) - Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14 - one-time appropriation - available until June 30, 2029