Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF4553

Introduced
3/4/24  

Caption

Energy efficiency projects under the long-term facilities maintenance revenue program authorization; maximum effort capital loan program restriction removal

Impact

The implementation of SF4553 will primarily affect the statutes tied to education finance, specifically those regulating funding for long-term maintenance of school facilities. By clarifying which projects are eligible for funding, the bill is expected to enable districts to undertake critical maintenance and energy efficiency upgrades that were previously constrained by financial limitations. This could lead to improved student learning environments and operational cost savings through enhanced energy efficiency.

Summary

SF4553 is a bill aimed at enhancing education finance in Minnesota by authorizing specific energy efficiency projects under the long-term facilities maintenance revenue program. The bill proposes to remove existing restrictions from the maximum effort capital loan program, thereby expanding access to funds for school districts. By allowing more versatile applications of these funds, the bill seeks to facilitate the improvement of educational facilities, especially in the context of energy efficiency and environmental considerations.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SF4553 may arise from its financial implications for the state’s education budget. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential redistribution of funds, as different districts could compete for the same limited resources. Additionally, some stakeholders argue whether the removal of restrictions may inadvertently lead to misuse of funds or insufficient accountability in how the revenue is utilized, particularly for projects outside the original intent of basic maintenance and facilities improvement.

Further_notes

As the bill progresses, its reception among various educational boards, policymakers, and community advocates will be critical. Supporters may emphasize the need for modernizing school facilities and addressing environmental considerations, whereas opponents might focus on the risk of unfettered access to capital loans leading to mismanagement or an imbalance in fund distribution among districts.

Companion Bills

MN HF4171

Similar To Energy efficiency projects authorized under long-term facilities maintenance revenue program, and maximum effort capital loan program restriction removed.

Previously Filed As

MN HF4171

Energy efficiency projects authorized under long-term facilities maintenance revenue program, and maximum effort capital loan program restriction removed.

MN SF4305

Roof projects as part of the long-term education facilities maintenance program authorization and appropriation

MN SF1198

Roof projects authorization as part of the long-term facilities maintenance program

MN HF3558

Roof projects authorized as part of long-term facilities maintenance program, and money appropriated.

MN SF2392

Additional long-term facilities maintenance revenue and revenue uses for school districts with facilities on the National Register of Historic Places authorization and appropriation

MN SF4805

Historic school building preservation long-term facilities maintenance revenue authorization

MN HF2380

Additional long-term facilities maintenance revenue and revenue uses authorized for school districts with facilities on National Register of Historic Places.

MN SF857

National Register of Historic Places log-term facilities maintenance revenue and revenue uses for school districts with facilities on the list authorization and appropriation

MN HF4982

Additional long-term facilities maintenance revenue for historic school building preservation authorized.

MN HF1457

Allowed uses of long-term facilities maintenance revenue and capital levies clarified.

Similar Bills

MN HF916

Tax expenditure provisions modified, and past tax expenditure purpose statements provided.

MN HF3284

REAL ID implementation law repealed.

MN SF3492

REAL ID implementation law repealer

MN HF20

Wage credits modified and reimbursement provided, general fund transfers authorized, unemployment insurance aid provided, report required, and money appropriated.

MN SF32

Wage credits modification and reimbursement provision; unemployment insurance aid establishment and appropriation

MN SF4803

Various independent school district construction projects sales and use tax exemption provision and appropriation

MN HF4840

Refundable sales and use tax exemptions provided for independent school district construction projects.

MN HF2320

Children's cabinet modified; Department of Children, Youth, and Families established; Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and Department of Public Safety responsibilities transferred to Department of Children, Youth, and Families; reports required; rulemaking authorized; and money appropriated.