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Bill Summary · SF 4675

Summary of SF 4675 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Title

Community schoolyards grant program establishment and appropriation

Purpose and Intent

SF 4675 proposes creating a state grant program to fund the development, renovation, and improvement of community schoolyards. The aim is to expand access to safe, multi-use outdoor spaces that support physical activity, outdoor learning, and community use beyond traditional school hours.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Establishment of a Grant Program

    • Creation of a statewide “Community Schoolyards Grant Program” to provide funding for eligible projects.
    • Program is designed to support outdoor spaces associated with public schools or school facilities.

  • Funding and Appropriation

    • The bill authorizes state appropriations to fund the grant program. (Exact dollar amounts and multi-year funding details are not provided in the available text; the bill would specify annual appropriations or appropriations caps within the final language.)

  • Eligible Projects

    • Grants would be awarded for projects such as:
    • Construction or improvement of schoolyards to create safe, accessible outdoor spaces
    • Installation of durable playground and recreational facilities
    • Outdoor learning environments and spaces that can be used by the broader community
    • Projects likely require features that promote safety, accessibility (e.g., ADA compliance), and community access beyond school hours.

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • Preference or eligibility criteria would typically include:
    • Proximity to a public school or school facility
    • Demonstrated need or multi-use potential (education, recreation, health)
    • Evidence of community partnerships or long-term maintenance plans
    • There may be caps on grant amounts, match requirements, and timelines for project completion.

  • Application and Award Process

    • Establishment of an application process with deadlines.
    • Criteria-based scoring to determine grant awards.
    • Possible requirements for reporting, project milestones, and post-completion impact assessment.

  • Administration and Oversight

    • The program would be administered by a state education or related agency (e.g., Department of Education or a designated grant management office).
    • Provisions for enforcement of terms, compliance with reporting, and accounting for expenditures.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Public Schools and School Districts

    • Eligible applicants could include districts or individual public schools seeking to expand or improve outdoor schoolyards.

  • Communities and Local Partners

    • Local governments, non-profits, and community organizations partnering with schools may benefit through access to grants and collaborative opportunities.

  • Students and Residents

    • Indirect beneficiaries include students who gain enhanced outdoor learning spaces and broader community members who can use the schoolyards outside school hours (subject to school policy and safety considerations).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and Referred

    • Introduced and read for the first time on March 23, 2026.
    • Referred to the Education Policy committee for consideration.

  • Sponsor Information

    • Co-sponsors: Scott Dibble, Susan Pha, Steve Cwodzinski.

  • Next Steps

    • The bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes. Final details such as funding amounts, grant caps, eligibility specifics, and reporting requirements would be clarified in committee amendments and the bill’s enacted text.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific elements (e.g., funding mechanisms, eligibility criteria once the final text is available) or compare it with existing Minnesota programs for context.

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

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