HB 643 Summary

• Establishes Outdoor Learning Grant Program administered by Department of Natural Resources to provide grants to city, local, and exempted village school districts for outdoor learning programs serving fifth and sixth grade students.

• Creates Outdoor Rx Program administered by Division of Parks and Watercraft to award grants to state agencies, local governments, organizations, and individuals for outdoor therapy programs including recreation, environmental studies, agricultural activities, and resource conservation.

• Establishes 7-member Outdoor Rx Program Advisory Committee to assist in program development and administration, with members appointed by the chief of parks and watercraft, director of veterans services, director of environmental protection, and director of health.

• Appropriates $12,000,000 for Outdoor Learning Grants and $12,000,000 for Outdoor Rx Program in fiscal year 2021 (no funds for fiscal year 2020).

• Requires annual reporting to the legislature beginning November 1, 2021, detailing funding deposited and disbursed, grant recipients and amounts awarded, and descriptions of funded programs and selection processes.