MN SF3364

$20,000,000 appropriated from general fund in fiscal year 2023 to the Office of Higher Education commissioner for competitive grants to Minnesota research facilities, universities, and health systems for ALS research.

Grants support clinical and translational research including environmental factors, disease mechanisms, biomarkers, drug development, clinical studies, precision medicine, medical devices, assistive technology, and cognitive studies.

Commissioner must submit annual reports to legislature from January 15, 2023 through January 15, 2027 detailing grant recipients, amounts awarded, fund usage, and research outcomes.

Unencumbered balances do not cancel until June 30, 2029, extending the spending timeline beyond the initial one-time appropriation.

Bill amends Laws 2022, chapter 42, section 2 and includes provisions for additional ALS research funding in fiscal year 2025 and caregiver support programs requiring ALS-specific respite services.