12. Legislative Update 3-2022March 2022 Legislative Update
•Final committee deadline coming up on April 8, all budget bills must be passed out
of the committee of origin by this date.
•April 9-17 Easter and Passover Break, no legislative activities.
•May 23rd final day of 2022 legislative session.
•$9 billion+ surplus, but not a budget year.
•Election year for all seats in the Legislature and Governor, plus redistricting.
March 2022 Legislative Update
•House (HF 14 and HF 4375-Standalone Bills (for now))
•$100 million general fund for Border-to-Border Grant Program.
•Increase state match from 50% to 75%.
•Increase project cost cap from $5 million to $10 million.
•Report back to Legislature on the effect the changes in match and cap have had on
grants by 12/31/2022.
•Will likely be part of the Industrial Education and Economic Development omnibus
bill.
•HF 3605 Line Extension Program
•Passed from Industrial Education and Economic Development Committee unanimously (3/23)
•Currently in Judiciary Committee, will hold a vote on 3/31
March 2022 Legislative Update
•Senate (SF 4019-Agriculture Omnibus Bill)
•$110 million remaining from Capital Projects Fund directed to Border-to-Border Grant Program
•Allow broadband installs on existing easements for cable providers.
•Line Extension Grant Program
•IIJA funding must go to Border-to-Border Program
•Allow DEED to spend up to $15 million on comprehensive mapping
•Up to $15 million for low-density pilot program, formula determined by DEED
•Increase match from 50% to 75%, cap remains at $5 million
•Continued flexibility for DEED in applying for federal funds (conformity to federal standards)
•SF 3476 Line Extension Program Bill
•Standalone line extension program bill
•Currently on Senate Floor
March 2022 Legislative Update
What’s Next?
•Senate controlled by Republicans and House/Governor’s Office by DFLers.
•Each chamber will spend most of the next month passing their priorities in the form of
omnibus bills.
•Conference committees will be convened to hammer out the differences between House
and Senate versions of spending and policy packages.
•From now until May 23rd, everything will be fluid and subject to change at a moment’s
notice.
•End of session forecast: bumpy.
•Will continue to send out updates via Coalition email list.
Contact Information
•Email: nathan@zachariasgovrelations.com
•Phone: 715-222-2824