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HF 5127

Bioimaging Center at the Hormel Institute in Austin funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patty Mueller

Funds $5 million to renovate Hormel Institute in Austin to create a Bioimaging Center, framed as a learning lab for workforce development, STEM, and training.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Capital Investment
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Bill Summary · HF 5127

Summary of HF 5127 (2025-2026) – Bioimaging Center at the Hormel Institute in Austin: funding, bonds, and appropriation

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is a capital investment measure focused on funding renovations and improvements to the Hormel Institute facility in Austin, Minnesota.
  • Specifically, it aims to create and support a Bioimaging Center within the Hormel Institute, with a broader mission that includes workforce development, K-12 STEM engagement, and professional training in bioimaging education.

Key provisions and changes

  • Appropriation of bond funds

    • Section 1, Subdivision 1: The state would appropriate $5,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund.
    • The funds are designated as a grant to the Austin Port Authority.
    • Eligible uses include design, construction, furnishing, and equipping the renovation of space at the Hormel Institute facility in Austin.
    • The project is described as a learning laboratory aimed at workforce development, K-12 STEM engagement (kindergarten through 12th grade), and professional training in STEM and bioimaging education.

  • Bond issuance

    • Section 1, Subdivision 2: To finance the appropriation, the Commissioner of Management and Budget would issue state bonds up to $5,000,000.
    • The bond issuance would follow applicable Minnesota statutes (sections 16A.631 to 16A.675) and the state constitution (Article XI, sections 4 to 7).

  • Effective date

    • The act becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Who or what would be affected

  • Primary recipients and stakeholders
    • The Austin Port Authority would receive the grant to manage and oversee the renovation and related activities at the Hormel Institute facility.
  • Institutions and activities impacted
    • Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota (renovation and expansion of its space to house a Bioimaging Center).
    • Local workforce development initiatives in the biomedical and imaging fields.
    • K-12 education and community STEM outreach through enhanced learning laboratories and engagement activities.
    • Professional training programs in bioimaging education for adults/workforce participants.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative status
    • Introduced and referred to the Capital Investment committee; action history shows first reading on 2026-05-07.
  • Funding mechanics
    • A single appropriation of $5,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund.
    • Bond sale to finance the appropriation would be conducted under existing Minnesota bonding authority and procedures.
  • Effective date
    • The act would become effective the day after enactment, with all bond-related activities contingent on passage and final enactment.

Notes for readers

  • The bill centers on capital improvements rather than operating expenses.
  • It emphasizes educational and workforce outcomes by framing the project as a “learning laboratory” supporting K-12 STEM engagement and professional training in bioimaging.
  • The total financial commitment in this bill is $5 million, funded through state general obligation bonds.

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

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