Grant program established to support community literacy initiatives, and money appropriated.

HF 1408 establishes a $1 million annual grant program (for fiscal years 2026 and 2027) to support community literacy initiatives in Minnesota. It directly funds community organizations, schools, libraries, and families to develop and distribute literacy guides, family toolkits, and training on evidence-based reading practices aligned with the state's Read Act. Grant recipients must use funds for activities like creating grade-level reading guides, public awareness resources, and after-school pilot programs targeting students at risk of not meeting reading proficiency. The program requires competitive applications prioritizing proven literacy strategies and aims to enhance community-led literacy support for children and families.