This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes related to education finance, specifically focusing on long-term facilities maintenance revenue and capital grant and loan requests. It authorizes the inclusion of energy efficiency projects in the long-term facilities maintenance revenue program, allowing school districts to receive funding for these projects. The bill also removes a restriction that previously prohibited the use of long-term facilities maintenance revenue for energy efficiency projects, thereby expanding the scope of eligible expenditures. Additionally, it requires school districts to document the costs and benefits of energy efficiency projects as specified by the commissioner of education.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the capital grant and loan requests by clarifying that these funds cannot be used for constructing swimming pools, ice arenas, or athletic facilities, while also removing the restriction on heating system improvements. The effective dates for these changes are set for fiscal year 2026 and later for the long-term facilities maintenance revenue provisions, and July 1, 2024, for the capital grant and loan requests. Overall, the bill aims to enhance funding opportunities for school districts to improve energy efficiency and maintain educational facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 123B.59, 126C.69