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HF 3500

Bemidji State University storm damage relief funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bidal Duran

HF 3500 allocates state funds to Bemidji State University for storm damage relief to repair, replace, and mitigate facilities and impact on operations.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Higher Education Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 3500

Summary of HF 3500 (2025-2026) — Bemidji State University storm damage relief funding provided, and money appropriated

Purpose and intent

HF 3500 provides targeted storm damage relief funding to Bemidji State University (BSU) and specifies the appropriation of state dollars to address damage or costs arising from severe weather events. The bill aims to support BSU in repairing, replacing, or mitigating storm-related damages and to ensure the university can maintain operations and program delivery following storms.

Key provisions and changes

  • ** appropriation for storm relief:** The bill authorizes a specific appropriation (dollar amount not stated in the provided summary) designated for Bemidji State University to address storm damage. The funds are intended for recovery, cleanup, repairs, and related costs resulting from storm events.
  • Eligible uses of funds: The bill directs that the funds may be used for costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and other storm-related needs necessary to restore normal university operations. It may also cover mitigation efforts to reduce future risk, subject to any conditions set in the act.
  • Allocation administration: The bill outlines how the funds are to be allocated and administered within BSU, including any reporting or oversight requirements to ensure proper use and accountability.
  • Timing and trigger: The bill may set timing for when funds become available (e.g., upon enactment or a specified date) and any procedural steps BSU must complete to access the funds (such as submitting a damage assessment or reconstruction plan).
  • Relation to other funding: It may specify that the storm relief funding is in addition to other appropriations and does not replace or supersede existing emergency funding or facilities maintenance budgets.

Note: The summary above reflects typical elements of a targeted storm relief appropriation bill. The exact dollar amounts, match requirements, reporting timelines, and eligible costs would be detailed in the full text of HF 3500.

Who or what would be affected

  • Bemidji State University: Primary recipient of the storm damage relief funds. The university would use the funds for repair, replacement, and mitigation related to storm damage and to maintain or restore campus operations.
  • BSU students, staff, and faculty: Beneficiaries indirectly through restored facilities, reduced interruption of classes, and continuity of programs.
  • Statewide higher education funding and oversight: The bill interacts with state budgeting priorities for higher education and would be subject to standard accounting, auditing, and reporting requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: HF 3500 was introduced and referred to the Committee on Higher Education Finance and Policy on February 19, 2026.
  • Committee process: As with similar bills, it would undergo committee consideration, possibly including hearings, amendments, and votes before advancing.
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor and any co-sponsors are listed (Co-sponsor: Bidal Duran), indicating legislative intent and support.

If you’d like, I can refine this summary with the exact fiscal year dollar amount, the specific eligible expenses, reporting requirements, and any sunset or renewal provisions, once the bill’s full text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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