MN SF289

Streamlines health and safety revenue program by replacing detailed program requirements with a simplified health and safety policy that school boards must adopt and confirm as consistent with district policy.

Removes commissioner authority to make health and safety revenue eligibility contingent on district compliance status, program development level, or training; prohibits mandating additional performance criteria like certifications or compliance evaluations as prerequisites for levy approval.

Expands eligible uses of health and safety revenue to include specific items such as fire protection equipment, lab safety facility modifications, mold abatement, playground safety inspections, bleacher repair, radon testing, lead and copper testing, and costs associated with implementing safety committees.

Establishes new project description and appeals process requirements: districts must provide sufficient detail for auditors to verify project eligibility, and districts may appeal funding denials in writing with the commissioner responding in writing.

Provides transition provision allowing school boards that have not adopted a health and safety policy by September 30, 2011, to submit applications for health and safety revenue for taxes payable in 2012.