1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to education; expanding telecommunication 
  1.3             access revenue program to intermediate school 
  1.4             districts; creating an improved technology and 
  1.5             curriculum development grant program; appropriating 
  1.6             money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2000, sections 
  1.7             125B.20, subdivision 1; 125B.25, subdivision 9, by 
  1.8             adding a subdivision; 126C.10, subdivision 13; Laws 
  1.9             2000, chapter 489, article 5, section 28, subdivision 
  1.10            2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, 
  1.11            chapter 134; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2000, 
  1.12            section 125B.20, subdivision 3. 
  1.13  BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.14     Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 125B.20, 
  1.15  subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
  1.16     Subdivision 1.  [ESTABLISHMENT; PURPOSE.] The purpose of 
  1.17  developing a statewide school district telecommunications 
  1.18  network is to expand the availability of a broad range of 
  1.19  courses and degrees to students throughout the state, to share 
  1.20  information resources to improve access, quality, and 
  1.21  efficiency, to improve learning, and distance cooperative 
  1.22  learning opportunities, and to promote the exchange of ideas 
  1.23  among students, parents, teachers, media generalists, 
  1.24  librarians, and the public.  In addition, through the 
  1.25  development of this statewide telecommunications network 
  1.26  emphasizing cost-effective, competitive connections, all 
  1.27  Minnesotans will benefit by enhancing access to 
  1.28  telecommunications technology throughout the state.  Network 
  1.29  connections for school districts and public libraries are 
  2.1   coordinated and fully integrated into the existing state 
  2.2   telecommunications and interactive television networks to 
  2.3   achieve comprehensive and efficient interconnectivity of school 
  2.4   districts and libraries to higher education institutions, state 
  2.5   agencies, other governmental units, agencies, and institutions 
  2.6   throughout Minnesota.  A school district may apply to the 
  2.7   commissioner for a grant under subdivision 2, and a regional 
  2.8   public library may apply under subdivision 3.  The Minnesota 
  2.9   education telecommunications council established in Laws 1995, 
  2.10  First Special Session chapter 3, article 12, section 7, shall 
  2.11  establish priorities for awarding grants, making grant awards, 
  2.12  and being be responsible for the coordination of networks. 
  2.13     Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 125B.25, is 
  2.14  amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
  2.15     Subd. 5a.  [REVENUE FOR INTERMEDIATE DISTRICTS.] (a) 
  2.16  Intermediate school districts under chapter 136D shall receive 
  2.17  revenue equal to the greater of: 
  2.18     (1) the per marginal cost pupil unit amount as determined 
  2.19  by the commissioner according to subdivision 4 for the school 
  2.20  district in which the administrative offices of the intermediate 
  2.21  school district are located in; or 
  2.22     (2) $5; 
  2.23  times the adjusted marginal cost pupil units for that year, 
  2.24  times 65 percent. 
  2.25     (b) An intermediate school district's revenue under this 
  2.26  subdivision must be used to pay for ongoing or recurring 
  2.27  telecommunication access costs, including access to data lines, 
  2.28  video lines, or Internet access. 
  2.29     <b>[EFFECTIVE DATE.]</b> This section is effective July 1, 2001. 
  2.30     Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 125B.25, 
  2.31  subdivision 9, is amended to read: 
  2.32     Subd. 9.  [EXPIRATION.] This section expires on July 1, 
  2.33  2002 2003. 
  2.34     <b>[EFFECTIVE DATE.]</b> This section is effective the day 
  2.35  following final enactment. 
  2.36     Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 126C.10, 
  3.1   subdivision 13, is amended to read: 
  3.2      Subd. 13.  [TOTAL OPERATING CAPITAL REVENUE.] (a) For 
  3.3   fiscal year 2000 and thereafter, total operating capital revenue 
  3.4   for a district equals the amount determined under paragraph (b) 
  3.5   or (c), plus $73 times the adjusted marginal cost pupil units 
  3.6   for the school year.  The revenue must be placed in a reserved 
  3.7   account in the general fund and may only be used according to 
  3.8   paragraph (d) or subdivision 14. 
  3.9      (b) For fiscal years 2000 and later, capital revenue for a 
  3.10  district equals $100 times the district's maintenance cost index 
  3.11  times its adjusted marginal cost pupil units for the school year.
  3.12     (c) For fiscal years 2000 and later, the revenue for a 
  3.13  district that operates a program under section 124D.128, is 
  3.14  increased by an amount equal to $30 times the number of marginal 
  3.15  cost pupil units served at the site where the program is 
  3.16  implemented. 
  3.17     (d) For fiscal years 2001 and, 2002, and 2003, the district 
  3.18  must reserve an amount equal to $5 per adjusted marginal cost 
  3.19  pupil unit for telecommunication access costs.  Reserve revenue 
  3.20  under this paragraph must first be used to pay for ongoing or 
  3.21  recurring telecommunication access costs, including access to 
  3.22  data lines, video lines, or Internet access.  Any revenue 
  3.23  remaining after covering all ongoing or recurring access costs 
  3.24  may be used for computer hardware or equipment. 
  3.25     Sec. 5.  [134.47] [REGIONAL LIBRARY TELECOMMUNICATIONS 
  3.26  AID.] 
  3.27     Subdivision 1.  [ELIGIBILITY.] (a) A regional public 
  3.28  library system may apply for regional library telecommunications 
  3.29  aid.  The aid must be used for data and video access costs and 
  3.30  other related costs to improve or maintain electronic access and 
  3.31  connect the library system with the state information 
  3.32  infrastructure administered by the department of administration 
  3.33  under section 16B.465.  Priority shall be given to public 
  3.34  libraries that have not received access.  To be eligible, a 
  3.35  regional public library system must be officially designated by 
  3.36  the commissioner of children, families, and learning as a 
  4.1   regional public library system as defined in section 134.34, 
  4.2   subdivision 3, and each of its participating cities and counties 
  4.3   must meet local support levels defined in section 134.34, 
  4.4   subdivision 1.  A public library building that receives aid 
  4.5   under this section must be open a minimum of 20 hours per week. 
  4.6      (b) Aid received under this section may not be used to 
  4.7   substitute for any existing local funds allocated to provide 
  4.8   electronic access, or equipment for library staff or the public, 
  4.9   or local funds dedicated to other library operations. 
  4.10     (c) An application for regional library telecommunications 
  4.11  aid must, at a minimum, contain information to document the 
  4.12  following: 
  4.13     (1) that the data line or video link relies on a transport 
  4.14  medium that operates at a minimum speed of 1.544 megabytes per 
  4.15  second for each regional public library system headquarters or a 
  4.16  minimum of 64 kilobits per second for each regional public 
  4.17  library building and employs an open network architecture that 
  4.18  will ensure interconnectivity and interoperability with school 
  4.19  districts, post-secondary education, or other governmental 
  4.20  agencies; 
  4.21     (2) that the connection is established through the most 
  4.22  cost-effective means and that the regional library has explored 
  4.23  and coordinated connections through school districts, 
  4.24  post-secondary education, or other governmental agencies; 
  4.25     (3) the regional library system has filed an e-rate 
  4.26  application; and 
  4.27     (4) other information, as determined by the commissioner of 
  4.28  children, families, and learning, to ensure that connections are 
  4.29  coordinated, efficient, and cost-effective; take advantage of 
  4.30  discounts; and meet applicable state standards. 
  4.31     The library system may include costs associated with 
  4.32  cooperative arrangements with post-secondary institutions, 
  4.33  school districts, and other governmental agencies. 
  4.34     Subd. 2.  [AWARD OF FUNDS.] The commissioner of children, 
  4.35  families, and learning shall develop application and reporting 
  4.36  form and procedures for regional library telecommunications 
  5.1   aid.  Aid shall be based on actual costs of connections and 
  5.2   funds available for this purpose.  The commissioner shall make 
  5.3   payments directly to the regional public library system. 
  5.4      Sec. 6.  Laws 2000, chapter 489, article 5, section 28, 
  5.5   subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
  5.6      Subd. 2.  [TELECOMMUNICATION ACCESS REVENUE.] For 
  5.7   telecommunication access cost revenue under Minnesota Statutes, 
  5.8   section 125B.25:  
  5.9        $16,668,000     .....     2001 
  5.10     Of this amount, $16,668,000 is for fiscal year 2001. 
  5.11     If the appropriation amount exceeds the revenue for the 
  5.12  2000-2001 school year, the commissioner shall increase the 
  5.13  reimbursement rate in Minnesota Statutes, section 125B.25, 
  5.14  subdivisions 5 and 6, to expend the full appropriation.  If the 
  5.15  appropriation amount is insufficient, the commissioner shall 
  5.16  reduce the reimbursement rate in Minnesota Statutes, section 
  5.17  125B.25, subdivisions 5 and 6, and the revenue for the 2000-2001 
  5.18  school year shall be prorated.  The reimbursement rate shall not 
  5.19  exceed 100 percent. 
  5.20     Any remaining balance of this appropriation shall be added 
  5.21  to the fiscal year 2002 appropriation for improved technology 
  5.22  and curriculum development grants. 
  5.23     <b>[EFFECTIVE DATE.]</b> This section is effective the day 
  5.24  following final enactment. 
  5.25     Sec. 7.  [UNFUNDED TECHNOLOGY COSTS.] 
  5.26     By December 15, 2001, each school district, intermediate 
  5.27  school district, and charter school may submit its costs due to 
  5.28  unfunded state and federal mandates requiring Internet filtering 
  5.29  devices to the commissioner of children, families, and learning 
  5.30  for reimbursement.  School districts, intermediate school 
  5.31  districts, and charter schools shall submit requests for 
  5.32  reimbursement under this section in a form and manner determined 
  5.33  by the commissioner. 
  5.34     Sec. 8.  [IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT 
  5.35  GRANTS.] 
  5.36     A school district, intermediate school district, or charter 
  6.1   school may apply for grants for one or more of the following 
  6.2   purposes: 
  6.3      (1) to upgrade or convert its data connections to meet 
  6.4   minimum digital connectivity standards; 
  6.5      (2) for interregional connectivity and regional and 
  6.6   statewide coordination, including cooperative agreement costs; 
  6.7      (3) for the development of curriculum resources which are 
  6.8   video-based and delivered; 
  6.9      (4) for demonstration and prototype implementation of new 
  6.10  technology, including the transition of digital instructional 
  6.11  video sites to video over the Internet; or 
  6.12     (5) for wireless connectivity for school districts with 
  6.13  multiple buildings. 
  6.14     The commissioner of children, families, and learning, in 
  6.15  cooperation with the Minnesota education telecommunication 
  6.16  council, shall develop the form, procedures, time lines, and 
  6.17  standards for grants under this section.  Grant awards under 
  6.18  this section must not reduce a district's or charter school's 
  6.19  telecommunication access revenue for the school year in which 
  6.20  the grant is awarded. 
  6.21     Sec. 9.  [APPROPRIATIONS.] 
  6.22     Subdivision 1.  [DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND 
  6.23  LEARNING.] The sums indicated in this section are appropriated 
  6.24  from the general fund to the department of children, families, 
  6.25  and learning for the fiscal years designated. 
  6.26     Subd. 2.  [TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCESS REVENUE.] For 
  6.27  telecommunications access revenue under Minnesota Statutes, 
  6.28  section 125B.25: 
  6.29       $18,520,000     .....     2002
  6.30       $18,520,000     .....     2003
  6.31     If the appropriation amount exceeds the revenue for the 
  6.32  corresponding school year, the commissioner shall increase the 
  6.33  reimbursement rate in Minnesota Statutes, section 125B.25, 
  6.34  subdivisions 5, 5a, and 6, to expend the full appropriation.  If 
  6.35  the appropriation amount is insufficient, the commissioner shall 
  6.36  reduce the reimbursement rate in Minnesota Statutes, section 
  7.1   125B.25, subdivisions 5, 5a, and 6, and the revenue for the 
  7.2   corresponding school year shall be prorated.  The reimbursement 
  7.3   rate shall not exceed 100 percent. 
  7.4      Any remaining balance of this appropriation shall be added 
  7.5   to the appropriation for improved technology and curriculum 
  7.6   development grants according to section 8. 
  7.7      Subd. 3.  [UNFUNDED TECHNOLOGY COSTS.] For costs due to 
  7.8   unfunded state and federal mandates requiring Internet filtering 
  7.9   devices: 
  7.10       $.......     .....     2002
  7.11     This appropriation is available until June 30, 2003. 
  7.12     Subd. 4.  [IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT 
  7.13  GRANTS.] For improved technology and curriculum development 
  7.14  grants: 
  7.15       $.......     .....     2002
  7.16     This appropriation is available until June 30, 2003. 
  7.17     Subd. 5.  [REGIONAL LIBRARY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AID.] For 
  7.18  grants to regional public library systems under Minnesota 
  7.19  Statutes, section 134.47: 
  7.20       $3,600,000     .....     2002
  7.21       $3,600,000     .....     2003
  7.22     Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is 
  7.23  available in the second year. 
  7.24     Subd. 6.  [ELECTRONIC LIBRARY FOR MINNESOTA.] For statewide 
  7.25  licenses to online databases selected in cooperation with the 
  7.26  higher education services office for school media centers, 
  7.27  public libraries, state government agency libraries, and public 
  7.28  or private college or university libraries: 
  7.29       $750,000     .....     2002
  7.30       $750,000     .....     2003
  7.31     Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is 
  7.32  available in the second year. 
  7.33     Sec. 10.  [REPEALER.] 
  7.34     Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 125B.20, subdivision 3, is 
  7.35  repealed.