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Bill Summary · SF 4991

Summary of SF 4991 (Minnesota, 2025-2026 Session)

Title

Digital geographic information system mapping for school facilities ongoing maintenance appropriation

Primary purpose

SF 4991 authorizes ongoing state funding to support the digital mapping of school facilities using geographic information system (GIS) technology, with the aim of improving ongoing maintenance, facilities planning, and related management for school properties.

Key provisions and changes

  • Ongoing appropriation for GIS mapping: Establishes a continuous funding stream (ongoing appropriation) dedicated to digital GIS mapping of school facilities. This supports the creation, maintenance, and use of GIS data for school buildings and grounds.
  • Use of GIS for facilities management: Funds would be used to capture, organize, and maintain spatial data about school facilities (e.g., building footprints, room layouts, outdoor spaces, infrastructure locations) to enhance maintenance scheduling, capital planning, safety compliance, and asset management.
  • Data integration and accessibility: Emphasizes integration of GIS data with existing school district facilities systems and potentially state databases, improving access for decision-makers, administrators, and possibly external stakeholders.
  • Ongoing maintenance and updates: The appropriation is intended to support not just initial mapping but ongoing updates to reflect renovations, expansions, or other changes to facilities.

Who would be affected

  • School districts and charter schools: Primary users and beneficiaries, due to improvements in facilities planning, maintenance workflows, and capital improvements.
  • State and local facility managers: Entities responsible for statewide or regional facilities data, who would utilize standardized GIS datasets.
  • Students and staff: Indirect beneficiaries through improved safety, maintenance, and planning for school facilities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: The bill was introduced on 2026-04-07.
  • Referral: Referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committees on 2026-04-07.
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsorship by a member of the Legislature with a co-sponsor noted (Judy Seeberger).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Operational efficiency: By centralizing and digitizing facilities data, districts can optimize maintenance schedules, reduce downtime, and improve capital planning.
  • Safety and compliance: Accurate GIS data supports safety inspections, egress planning, utilities management, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Data standards and governance: Successful implementation will likely require data standards, data-sharing agreements, and training for district personnel.
  • Cost and time to implement: Ongoing funds will need to cover software, data collection, data cleaning, staff time, and updates; districts may face initial setup costs before benefits materialize.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison with similar GIS funding provisions in other states or outline potential reporting requirements that typically accompany ongoing appropriations of this nature.

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

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