MN SF4580

Establishes a distance learning broadband access grant program in the Department of Education to provide temporary wireless or wire-line broadband access to students lacking Internet access during the COVID-19 public health emergency period.

Allows grant funds to be used for data cards, USB modems, or other broadband devices; reimbursement of actual costs for emergency distance learning broadband access during the 2019-2020 school year; and reimbursement for broadband Internet access for households with students who lacked Internet before March 13, 2020.

Requires the commissioner of education to equitably distribute the state education agencies reserve portion of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (estimated at $14,013,725) to school districts and charter schools on a per pupil basis for mental health services or educational technology purchases.

Requires school districts and charter schools to use the September 2020 permanent school fund apportionment for mental health services or educational technology for students, including hardware, software, or connectivity.

Appropriates $8,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 from the general fund for emergency broadband access grants, with up to five percent available for administrative costs; unexpended funds transfer to the border-to-border broadband fund account by September 30, 2020.