Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1679

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

School districts cooperation and expense sharing to operate an ice rink authorization provision

Impact

The implications of this bill extend to how school districts allocate funds and manage sports facilities, particularly ice arenas. By enabling schools to share operational costs, SF1679 seeks to alleviate financial burdens on individual districts, promoting equitable access to sports facilities for all students, regardless of their district's economic capacity. The stipulation that participating districts must provide equal sports opportunities for male and female students is a notable aspect of the bill that aligns with broader initiatives for gender equity in sports.

Summary

SF1679 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing education finance by granting school districts the authority to cooperate and share expenses for the operation and maintenance of ice arenas. This bill amends Minnesota Statutes, specifically section 126C.45, to facilitate collaboration among districts wishing to jointly manage such facilities. By allowing inter-district cooperation, the bill aims to promote the efficient use of resources for ice facilities, potentially benefiting students across various districts who engage in ice sports.

Contention

While the bill presents potential benefits, it may also face challenges and debates regarding the equitable distribution of funding and resources among participating districts. Schools with fewer resources might struggle to meet the requirements set forth in the bill, particularly the necessity to demonstrate equal access to ice sports for both genders. As a result, discussions around the bill may involve concerns about ensuring that no district is left behind in terms of access to sports facilities and opportunities, fostering an equitable educational environment.

Companion Bills

MN HF1258

Similar To School districts authorized to cooperate and share expenses to operate and maintain an ice arena.

Previously Filed As

MN HF5247

Taxation and state government operations; various provisions modified, and money appropriated.

MN SF1884

Safe schools revenue increase; state aid authorization; revenue use expansion to include cybersecurity measures authorization; appropriating money

MN HF2483

Minneapolis; local sales and use tax provisions, lawful gambling tax provisions, and other stadium-related provisions modified; bonds made able to be retired early; operating expense and capital improvement requirements modified; and money appropriated.

MN HF44

School districts required to provide access to menstrual products for students, operating capital aid increased to fund school district purchases of menstrual products, and money appropriated.

MN SF5435

Mineral taxes, property taxes and related provisions modification; transfers and distributions of proceeds authorization; revenue bonds authorization

MN SF5330

Sports betting provisions and authorization, establishing licenses, local restrictions prohibition, sports betting taxation provisions, civil and criminal penalties provision, and appropriation

MN SF4819

Special education excess cost aid for intermediate school districts and other special education cooperatives increase provision and appropriation

MN HF1779

Minerals tax provisions modified, and distributions modified to Iron Range school consolidation and cooperatively operated school account.

MN SF32

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

MN HF3800

Housing cooperatives; organization and operation provided for seniors, low and moderate income people, and limited equity cooperatives and leasing cooperatives for designated members.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.