Bill > SF5524

This bill appropriates $315,000 in fiscal year 2025 from the natural resources fund to the Commissioner of Natural Resources for grants to school districts to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of their school playgrounds. The bill specifies that at least $100,000 of the appropriation must go to specific school districts - Independent School District No. 196, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan; Independent School District No. 197, West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan; and Independent School District No. 199, Inver Grove Heights - for playground projects at their elementary schools. Grant recipients must use the funds to replace, repair, expand, or install playground equipment, create accessible routes to the playground, or install unitary surface material to expand accessibility. The grants also require a review of the playground plans or the completed installation by a certified playground safety inspector or a Minnesota certified accessibility specialist, and the grant recipients must submit a report to the legislature documenting the spending and identifying actions that best furthered accessibility and inclusion, as well as recommendations for other school districts. Up to 5% of the appropriation can be used for administration.