MN SF3349

Establishes a grant program administered by the Commissioner of the Office of Higher Education to promote training and job placement of realtime stenographic writers, including court reporters and closed captioning professionals.

Awards two grants of $300,000 each year beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year, with one grantee required to be in the seven-county metropolitan area and the other outside it, until the appropriation is expended.

Prioritizes eligible institutions demonstrating substantial capacity to increase training, promising collaborations with educational institutions and businesses, or innovative approaches to training and job placement.

Requires grant recipients to submit annual reports by January 15 assessing program effectiveness and describing best practices, with the commissioner reporting findings to the legislature.

Appropriates $3,150,000 in fiscal year 2025 from the general fund, available through June 30, 2029, with up to 5 percent allowable for administrative costs.