Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1050 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

Old	New	Differences
1	1	1.1 A bill for an act
2	2	1.2 relating to natural resources; creating Outdoor School for All grant program;
3	3	1.3 appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
4	4	1.4 84.
5	5	1.5BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
6	6	1.6 Section 1. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.
7	7	1.7 (a) Minnesota is known for its rich outdoor heritage and ethic. The state prides itself on
8	8	1.8its close connection to nature through outdoor recreation, appreciation, and conservation.
9	9	1.9The state is viewed nationally as a leader for its stewardship of and strong relationship
10	10	1.10fostered with its natural resources. Yet the state's children are losing their connection to the
11	11	1.11outdoors. Today, the state's children spend up to 44 hours per week in front of a screen and
12	12	1.12less than 10 minutes each day doing outdoor activities. The legislature finds that time
13	13	1.13outdoors helps children thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. Yet over the past
14	14	1.14few generations, childhood activities have largely moved indoors. In addition, access to the
15	15	1.15outdoors is too often determined by race, income, ability, and zip code. All children deserve
16	16	1.16equitable access to outdoor spaces where they can learn, play, and grow. But unfortunately
17	17	1.17today, access to outdoor opportunities is not equitable.
18	18	1.18 (b) Research shows participants in outdoor educational activities have higher graduation
19	19	1.19rates, improved school and peer relationships, higher academic achievement, enhanced
20	20	1.20critical thinking skills, more awareness of the relationship between science and nature, and
21	21	1.21improved leadership and collaboration skills. Outdoor educational programs also offer new
22	22	1.22opportunities for work-integrated learning in science, natural resources, education, land
23	23	1.23management, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and other employment sectors. Outdoor-based
24	24	1Section 1.
25	25	25-02597 as introduced01/24/25 REVISOR CKM/LJ
26	26	SENATE
27	27	STATE OF MINNESOTA
28	28	S.F. No. 1050NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
29	29	(SENATE AUTHORS: HAUSCHILD, Miller, Hawj, Eichorn and Rarick)
30	30	OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE
31	31	Introduction and first reading02/06/2025
32	32	Referred to Environment, Climate, and Legacy 2.1learning activities can also be a key element in the larger system of regular outdoor
33	33	2.2instructional time and outdoor experiences that includes STEM fields, after-school programs,
34	34	2.3summer camps, 4-H, scouting, and related programs that can spark a lifelong appreciation
35	35	2.4for the natural world.
36	36	2.5 (c) The legislature intends to establish a statewide Outdoor School for All grant program
37	37	2.6to address these needs and opportunities. The program will support immersive multiday
38	38	2.7and accredited overnight educational experiences for students in grades 4 to 8. The program
39	39	2.8will also ensure that all Minnesota students have a chance to benefit from outdoor education.
40	40	2.9 Sec. 2. [84.9766] OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR ALL; GRANT PROGRAM.
41	41	2.10 Subdivision 1.Establishment.The commissioner of natural resources must establish
42	42	2.11and administer a program to provide grants to learning centers eligible under subdivision
43	43	2.122 for outdoor education programs serving students in grades 4 to 8.
44	44	2.13 Subd. 2.Eligibility.(a) The commissioner may award grants under this section to
45	45	2.14accredited overnight outdoor school providers established under section 84.0875 and to
46	46	2.15other regional nonprofit learning centers offering similar programming.
47	47	2.16 (b) To be eligible for a grant under this section, the outdoor education program must:
48	48	2.17 (1) provide a multiday, residential educational experience that is comprised mainly of
49	49	2.18outdoor-based learning activities;
50	50	2.19 (2) provide students with opportunities to directly experience and understand nature and
51	51	2.20the natural world, including field study opportunities for student learning;
52	52	2.21 (3) use a research-based environmental, ecological, agricultural, or other
53	53	2.22natural-resource-based educational curriculum;
54	54	2.23 (4) be integrated with local school curricula to help students meet academic standards;
55	55	2.24 (5) provide students with opportunities to develop:
56	56	2.25 (i) leadership;
57	57	2.26 (ii) critical thinking;
58	58	2.27 (iii) self-sufficiency;
59	59	2.28 (iv) decision-making skills; and
60	60	2.29 (v) social and emotional skills; and
61	61	2Sec. 2.
62	62	25-02597 as introduced01/24/25 REVISOR CKM/LJ 3.1 (6) address accessibility of outdoor educational opportunities for underserved students,
63	63	3.2including students with disabilities.
64	64	3.3 Sec. 3. APPROPRIATION; OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR ALL.
65	65	3.4 $....... in fiscal year 2026 and $....... in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from the general
66	66	3.5fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the Outdoor School for All program under
67	67	3.6Minnesota Statutes, section 84.9766.
68	68	3Sec. 3.
69	69	25-02597 as introduced01/24/25 REVISOR CKM/LJ