MN HF2035

Moves the spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury research grant program from the Office of Higher Education to the Department of Human Services, effective July 1, 2021.

Establishes a 14-member advisory council to develop grant criteria, review research proposals, and make annual recommendations by January 15 for awarding grants.

Requires the commissioner to award 50 percent of grant funds to spinal cord injury research and 50 percent to traumatic brain injury research at Minnesota institutions.

Appropriates $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 from the general fund to the Department of Human Services for the grant program.

Repeals the previous grant program statutes (Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 136A.901 and 136A.902) and establishes new authority under Minnesota Statutes chapter 256.