This bill modifies the disbursement of workforce development funds in Minnesota by amending existing statutes. It introduces a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116L.05, which mandates that the Jobs Skills Partnership Board must make annual recommendations to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities regarding workforce development programmatic needs. The board is required to consider whether programming can be conducted through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system or existing employers before recommending outside programming. If the Board of Trustees agrees on the necessity for external programming due to legal requirements or emerging workforce needs, the Jobs Skills Partnership Board may allocate funds to non-Minnesota State Colleges and Universities entities.

Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116L.20, subdivision 2, to clarify the disbursement of special assessment funds. It removes the previous stipulation that funds not otherwise appropriated or transferred must be managed by the Job Skills Partnership Board and instead directs that all funds be allocated to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for workforce development programming. The bill ensures that the funds are administered and disbursed similarly to other special accounts in the state treasury, while also allowing for the board to disburse money for specific purposes outlined in section 116L.17.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116L.05, 116L.20