Air ventilation improvement and geothermal infrastructure for schools financing program established, and money appropriated.

HF 1598 establishes a low-cost financing program through Minnesota’s Climate Innovative Finance Authority to help school districts improve air ventilation systems and install geothermal energy systems on or near school buildings. It directly affects eligible Minnesota school districts (including independent, special, and cooperative districts) by providing loans to cover upfront costs, with priority given to schools in high-poverty areas (using Title I data), balanced project distribution between metro and non-metro areas, and cost-reduction goals. The program appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund and $1.5 million from the renewable development account for fiscal year 2026, requiring all funds to be used by June 30, 2027, or they cancel. This creates a structured financing mechanism focused on tangible infrastructure upgrades, not direct grants or policy changes.