WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 5008

South Central College dental assisting program classroom and lab space appropriation and bond issuance authorization

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Frentz

Funds and bonds to expand South Central College’s dental assisting facilities, financing improved classrooms and labs for the program.

Referred to Capital Investment
#appropriations #bonds #education-higher #minnesotastatecollegesanduniversities
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 5008

Summary of SF 5008 (Session 2025-2026) – Minnesota

Title

South Central College dental assisting program classroom and lab space appropriation and bond issuance authorization

Purpose and intent

SF 5008 seeks to support South Central College by providing funding to expand or enhance the classroom and laboratory space used for the college’s dental assisting program. The bill also authorizes the issuance of state bonds to finance the appropriated amount. The overarching goal is to improve facilities for dental assisting education, helping to meet workforce needs in the dental health sector.

Key provisions

  • Appropriation for facilities: The bill designates a specific amount of state funds to be allocated for classroom and lab space related to the dental assisting program at South Central College. The exact dollar figure is not provided in the material available here, but the bill would identify a project scope and funding level to support modernization, expansion, or construction needs.

  • Bond issuance authorization: SF 5008 authorizes the issuance of state bonds to finance the appropriated amount. This means the state would borrow funds, repayable over time with interest, to cover the construction or improvement costs. The bill would specify:

    • The total bond authority or the amount needed to cover the appropriation.
    • Terms of repayment (maturity schedule, interest rates, and responsible fund mechanism).
    • Any issuance timing or sequencing tied to project milestones.

  • Project scope and location: The funding is targeted specifically to facilities related to South Central College’s dental assisting program. This may include classroom space, patient-care simulation labs, sterilization/operatory spaces, equipment upgrades, and related infrastructure needed to support curriculum and student training.

  • Competitive or statutory requirements: As a capital investment measure, the bill may include requirements related to project approval, compliance with state building codes, project delivery methods, and reporting or oversight provisions. These could involve coordination with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (since South Central College is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system) and state fiscal oversight agencies.

Who/what is affected

  • South Central College: Direct beneficiary through expanded or improved facilities for the dental assisting program, potentially enabling larger class sizes, enhanced simulation labs, and updated equipment.
  • Dental assisting students and faculty: Will have access to improved instructional spaces and resources, potentially improving the quality of education and hands-on training.
  • State finances: The state would incur debt through bond issuance to finance the project; future debt service payments would be funded from mandated debt service funds or general state revenue as established by the bond terms.
  • Taxpayers and stakeholders: Indirectly affected through state borrowing and long-term debt obligations; oversight and accountability provisions would aim to ensure prudent use of funds.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introduction and first reading: The bill was introduced and assigned for a first reading on April 9, 2026.
  • Referral: It was referred to the Capital Investment committee, indicating a focus on capital spending and infrastructure projects.
  • Next steps: The bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and then floor votes in the appropriate legislative chambers. If advanced, it would become part of the capital investment package or stand as a standalone authorization for bond issuance and appropriation.

Notes for readers

  • Specific dollar amounts, bond terms, project timelines, and oversight mechanisms are not provided in the summary materials available here. The final text of SF 5008 would detail:
    • The exact appropriation figure,
    • Bond issuance limits, interest rates, and repayment schedule,
    • Eligible expenditures and project milestones,
    • Reporting, oversight, and project delivery requirements.

This summary focuses on the bill’s core intent: financing facility enhancements for South Central College’s dental assisting program through state bonding authorization.

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

Sign in to ask a question.