MN HF35

Establishes a distance learning broadband access grant program in the Department of Education to provide wireless or wire-line broadband access to students lacking Internet connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with $15,000,000 appropriated from the coronavirus relief federal fund for fiscal year 2020.

Authorizes grants for school districts and charter schools to purchase broadband equipment, reimburse emergency distance learning costs during the 2019-2020 school year, and provide broadband Internet access to households with students who lacked access before March 13, 2020.

Creates a telemedicine equipment reimbursement grant program in the Department of Employment and Economic Development with $2,000,000 appropriated to reimburse community health clinics, critical access hospitals, public health departments, physician practices, and nursing facilities for purchasing telemedicine equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Appropriates $10,000,000 to the border-to-border broadband fund account to provide broadband service in unserved areas, with grants available for 55 percent of project costs if matched by 10 percent or more from nonstate entities.

Requires the Department of Education to report by December 1, 2020, and the Department of Employment and Economic Development to report by December 31, 2020, on grant recipients, award amounts, and program administration costs.