SF 5252

1st Engrossment - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 04/30/2024 11:16am

A bill for an act
relating to education finance; providing for supplemental funding for
prekindergarten through grade 12 education; modifying provisions for general
education, education excellence, literacy, teachers, charter schools, special
education, health and safety, facilities, nutrition, libraries, early childhood education,
and state agencies; providing for rulemaking; requiring reports; appropriating
money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 120A.41; 120B.363,
subdivision 1; 121A.035; 121A.037; 122A.415, by adding a subdivision; 122A.73,
subdivision 4; 123B.71, subdivision 8; 124D.093, subdivisions 4, 5; 124D.151,
by adding a subdivision; 124D.19, subdivisions 8, 11; 124D.65, by adding a
subdivision; 124D.957, subdivision 1; 124E.22; 126C.05, subdivision 15; 126C.10,
subdivision 13a; 127A.33; Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, sections 120B.018,
subdivision 6; 120B.021, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 120B.024, subdivision 1;
120B.123, subdivision 7; 120B.124, subdivisions 1, 2; 121A.642; 122A.415,
subdivision 4; 122A.73, subdivisions 2, 3; 122A.77, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 123B.71,
subdivision 12; 123B.92, subdivision 11; 124D.111, subdivision 3; 124D.151,
subdivisions 5, 6; 124D.65, subdivision 5, as amended; 124D.81, subdivision 2b;
124D.901, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 124D.98, subdivision 5; 124D.995, subdivision
3; 124E.13, subdivision 1; 126C.10, subdivisions 2e, 3, 3a, 3c, 18a; 126C.40,
subdivision 6; 134.356, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0625, subdivision 26;
256B.0671, by adding a subdivision; Laws 2023, chapter 18, section 4, subdivisions
2, as amended, 3, as amended; Laws 2023, chapter 54, section 20, subdivisions 6,
24; Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 1, section 36, subdivisions 2, as amended, 8,
13; article 2, section 64, subdivisions 2, as amended, 6, as amended, 14, 16, 26,
31, 33; article 3, section 11, subdivisions 3, 4; article 5, sections 64, subdivisions
3, as amended, 5, 13, 15, 16; 65, subdivisions 3, 6, 7; article 7, section 18,
subdivision 4, as amended; article 8, section 19, subdivisions 5, 6, as amended;
article 12, section 17, subdivision 2; Laws 2023, chapter 64, article 15, section 34,
subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 121A;
123B; 127A; repealing Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 10, section 4.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

GENERAL EDUCATION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 120A.41, is amended to read:

120A.41 LENGTH OF SCHOOL YEAR; HOURS OF INSTRUCTION.

(a) A school board's annual school calendar must include at least 425 hours of instruction
for a kindergarten student deleted text begin without a disability deleted text end , 935 hours of instruction for a student in
grades 1 through 6, and 1,020 hours of instruction for a student in grades 7 through 12, not
including summer school. The school calendar for all-day kindergarten must include at least
850 hours of instruction for the school year. The school calendar for a prekindergarten
student under section 124D.151, if offered by the district, must include at least 350 hours
of instruction for the school year. A school board's annual calendar must include at least
165 days of instruction for a student in grades 1 through 11 unless a four-day week schedule
has been approved by the commissioner under section 124D.126.

(b) A school board's annual school calendar may include plans for up to five days of
instruction provided through online instruction due to inclement weather. The inclement
weather plans must be developed according to section 120A.414.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for the 2023-2024 school year and later.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 123B.92, subdivision 11, is amended
to read:

Subd. 11.

Area learning center transportation aid.

(a) A district new text begin or cooperative unit
under section 123A.24, subdivision 2, new text end that provides transportation of pupils to and from an
area learning center program established under section 123A.05 is eligible for state aid to
reimburse the additional costs of transportation during the preceding fiscal year.

(b) A district new text begin or cooperative unit under section 123A.24, subdivision 2, new text end may apply to
the commissioner of education for state aid to reimburse the costs of transporting pupils
who are enrolled in an area learning center program established under section 123A.05
during the preceding fiscal year. The commissioner shall develop the form and manner of
applications for state aid, the criteria to determine when transportation is necessary, and the
accounting procedure to determine excess costs. In determining aid amounts, the
commissioner shall consider other revenue received by the district new text begin or cooperative unit under
section 123A.24, subdivision 2, new text end for transportation for area learning center purposes.

(c) The total aid entitlement for this section is $1,000,000 each year. The commissioner
must prorate aid if this amount is insufficient to reimburse deleted text begin district deleted text end costs new text begin for a district or
cooperative unit under section 123A.24, subdivision 2 new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2024 and later.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.65, subdivision 5, as amended
by Laws 2024, chapter 85, section 21, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

School district EL revenue.

(a) For fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2026,
a district's English learner programs revenue equals the sum of:

(1) the product of (i) $1,228, and (ii) the greater of 20 or the adjusted average daily
membership of eligible English learners enrolled in the district during the current fiscal
year; and

(2) $436 times the English learner pupil units under section 126C.05, subdivision 17.

(b) For fiscal year 2027 and later, a district's English learner programs revenue equals
the sum of:

(1) the product of (i) $1,775, and (ii) the greater of 20 or the adjusted average daily
membership of eligible English learners enrolled in the district during the current fiscal
year; new text begin and
new text end

(2) $630 times the English learner pupil units under section 126C.05, subdivision 17 deleted text begin ;
and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) the district's English learner cross subsidy aid. A district's English learner cross
subsidy aid equals 25 percent of the district's English learner cross subsidy under paragraph
(c) for fiscal year 2027 and later deleted text end .

(c) deleted text begin A district's English learner cross subsidy equals the greater of zero or the difference
between the district's expenditures for qualifying English learner services for the second
previous year and the district's English learner revenue for the second previous year.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end A pupil ceases to generate state English learner aid in the school year following the
school year in which the pupil attains the state cutoff score on a commissioner-provided
assessment that measures the pupil's emerging academic English.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.65, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 5a. new text end

new text begin English learner cross subsidy aid. new text end

new text begin (a) For fiscal year 2027 and later, a district's
English learner cross subsidy aid equals 25 percent of the district's English learner cross
subsidy calculated under paragraph (b).
new text end

new text begin (b) A district's English learner cross subsidy equals the greater of zero or the difference
between the district's expenditures for qualifying English learner services for the second
previous year and the district's English learner revenue for the second previous year. For
the purposes of this subdivision, "qualifying English learner services" means the services
necessary to implement the language instruction educational program for students identified
as English learners under sections 124D.58 to 124D.65. Only expenditures that both address
the English language development standards in Minnesota Rules, parts 3501.1200 and
3501.1210, which may include home language instruction, and are supplemental to the cost
of core content instruction may be included as expenditures for qualifying English learner
services. Expenditures do not include costs related to construction, indirect costs, core
content instruction, or core administrative personnel.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.995, subdivision 3, is amended
to read:

Subd. 3.

Money appropriated.

(a) Subject to the availability of funds, money in the
account is annually appropriated to the commissioner of education to reimburse school
districts; charter schools; intermediate school districts and cooperative units under section
123A.24, subdivision 2; the Perpich Center for Arts Education; and the Minnesota State
Academies for costs associated with providing unemployment benefits to school employees
under section 268.085, subdivision 7, paragraph (b).

(b) The Perpich Center for Arts Education and the Minnesota State Academies may only
apply to the commissioner for reimbursement of unemployment insurance amounts in excess
of the amounts specifically identified in their annual agency appropriations.

(c) If the amount in the account is insufficient, the commissioner must proportionately
reduce the aid payment to each recipient. new text begin Notwithstanding section 127A.45, subdivision 3,
new text end aid payments must be paid deleted text begin 100 deleted text end new text begin 90 new text end percent in the current year new text begin and ten percent in the following
year on a schedule determined by the commissioner new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2024 and later.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 126C.05, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Learning year pupil units.

(a) When a pupil is enrolled in a learning year
program under section 124D.128, an area learning center or an alternative learning program
approved by the commissioner under sections 123A.05 and 123A.06, or a contract alternative
program under section 124D.68, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), or subdivision 4, for more
than 1,020 hours in a school year for a secondary student, more than 935 hours in a school
year for an elementary student, more than 850 hours in a school year for a kindergarten
student deleted text begin without a disability deleted text end in an all-day kindergarten program, or more than 425 hours in
a school year for a half-day kindergarten student deleted text begin without a disability deleted text end , that pupil may be
counted as more than one pupil in average daily membership for purposes of section 126C.10,
subdivision 2a. The amount in excess of one pupil must be determined by the ratio of the
number of hours of instruction provided to that pupil in excess of: (i) the greater of 1,020
hours or the number of hours required for a full-time secondary pupil in the district to 1,020
for a secondary pupil; (ii) the greater of 935 hours or the number of hours required for a
full-time elementary pupil in the district to 935 for an elementary pupil in grades 1 through
6; and (iii) the greater of 850 hours or the number of hours required for a full-time
kindergarten student deleted text begin without a disability deleted text end in the district to 850 for a kindergarten student
deleted text begin without a disability deleted text end . Hours that occur after the close of the instructional year in June shall
be attributable to the following fiscal year. A student in kindergarten or grades 1 through
12 must not be counted as more than 1.2 pupils in average daily membership under this
subdivision.

(b)(i) To receive general education revenue for a pupil in an area learning center or
alternative learning program that has an independent study component, a district must meet
the requirements in this paragraph. The district must develop, for the pupil, a continual
learning plan consistent with section 124D.128, subdivision 3. Each school district that has
an area learning center or alternative learning program must reserve revenue in an amount
equal to at least 90 and not more than 100 percent of the district average general education
revenue per pupil unit, minus an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance
according to section 126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0466, calculated without basic skills
revenue, local optional revenue, and transportation sparsity revenue, times the number of
pupil units generated by students attending an area learning center or alternative learning
program. The amount of reserved revenue available under this subdivision may only be
spent for program costs associated with the area learning center or alternative learning
program. Basic skills revenue generated according to section 126C.10, subdivision 4, by
pupils attending the eligible program must be allocated to the program.

(ii) General education revenue for a pupil in a state-approved alternative program without
an independent study component must be prorated for a pupil participating for less than a
full year, or its equivalent. The district must develop a continual learning plan for the pupil,
consistent with section 124D.128, subdivision 3. Each school district that has an area learning
center or alternative learning program must reserve revenue in an amount equal to at least
90 and not more than 100 percent of the district average general education revenue per pupil
unit, minus an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance according to section
126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0466, calculated without basic skills revenue, local optional
revenue, and transportation sparsity revenue, times the number of pupil units generated by
students attending an area learning center or alternative learning program. The amount of
reserved revenue available under this subdivision may only be spent for program costs
associated with the area learning center or alternative learning program. Basic skills revenue
generated according to section 126C.10, subdivision 4, by pupils attending the eligible
program must be allocated to the program.

(iii) General education revenue for a pupil in a state-approved alternative program that
has an independent study component must be paid for each hour of teacher contact time
and each hour of independent study time completed toward a credit or graduation standards
necessary for graduation. Average daily membership for a pupil shall equal the number of
hours of teacher contact time and independent study time divided by 1,020.

(iv) For a state-approved alternative program having an independent study component,
the commissioner shall require a description of the courses in the program, the kinds of
independent study involved, the expected learning outcomes of the courses, and the means
of measuring student performance against the expected outcomes.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for the 2023-2024 school year and later.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 2e, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2e.

Local optional revenue.

(a) Local optional revenue for a school district equals
the sum of the district's first tier local optional revenue and second tier local optional revenue.
A district's first tier local optional revenue equals $300 times the adjusted pupil units of the
district for that school year. A district's second tier local optional revenue equals $424 times
the adjusted pupil units of the district for that school year.

(b) A district's local optional levy equals the sum of the first tier local optional levy and
the second tier local optional levy.

(c) A district's first tier local optional levy equals the district's first tier local optional
revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's referendum market value per
resident pupil unit to $880,000.

(d) For fiscal year 2023, a district's second tier local optional levy equals the district's
second tier local optional revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's
referendum market value per resident pupil unit to $548,842. For fiscal year 2024, a district's
second tier local optional levy equals the district's second tier local optional revenue times
the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's referendum market value per resident pupil unit
to $510,000. For fiscal year 2025, a district's second tier local optional levy equals the
district's second tier local optional revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's
referendum market value per resident pupil unit to deleted text begin $587,244 deleted text end new text begin $626,450 new text end . For fiscal year 2026,
a district's second tier local optional levy equals the district's second tier local optional
revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's referendum market value per
resident pupil unit to $642,038. For fiscal year 2027 and later, a district's second tier local
optional levy equals the district's second tier local optional revenue times the lesser of one
or the ratio of the district's referendum market value per resident pupil unit to $671,345.

(e) The local optional levy must be spread on referendum market value. A district may
levy less than the permitted amount.

(f) A district's local optional aid equals its local optional revenue minus its local optional
levy. If a district's actual levy for first or second tier local optional revenue is less than its
maximum levy limit for that tier, its aid must be proportionately reduced.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2025 and later.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 3, is amended
to read:

Subd. 3.

Compensatory education revenue.

(a) deleted text begin For fiscal year 2024, the compensatory
education revenue for each building in the district equals the formula allowance minus $839
times the compensation revenue pupil units computed according to section 126C.05,
subdivision 3. deleted text end A district's compensatory revenue equals the sum of its compensatory revenue
for each building in the district and the amounts designated under Laws 2015, First Special
Session chapter 3, article 2, section 70, subdivision 8, for fiscal year 2017. Revenue shall
be paid to the district and must be allocated according to section 126C.15, subdivision 2.

(b) deleted text begin For fiscal year 2025, compensatory revenue must be calculated under Laws 2023,
chapter 18, section 3. deleted text end new text begin For fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the compensatory education revenue
for each building in the district equals the formula allowance minus $839 times the
compensation revenue pupil units computed according to section 126C.05, subdivision 3.
new text end

(c) For fiscal year 2026 and later, the compensatory education revenue for each building
in the district equals its compensatory pupils multiplied by the building compensatory
allowance. deleted text begin Revenue shall be paid to the district and must be allocated according to section
126C.15, subdivision 2.
deleted text end

(d) When the district contracting with an alternative program under section 124D.69
changes prior to the start of a school year, the compensatory revenue generated by pupils
attending the program shall be paid to the district contracting with the alternative program
for the current school year, and shall not be paid to the district contracting with the alternative
program for the prior school year.

(e) When the fiscal agent district for an area learning center changes prior to the start of
a school year, the compensatory revenue shall be paid to the fiscal agent district for the
current school year, and shall not be paid to the fiscal agent district for the prior school year.

deleted text begin (f) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), for voluntary prekindergarten programs under section
124D.151, charter schools, and contracted alternative programs in the first year of operation,
compensatory education revenue must be computed using data for the current fiscal year.
If the voluntary prekindergarten program, charter school, or contracted alternative program
begins operation after October 1, compensatory education revenue must be computed based
on pupils enrolled on an alternate date determined by the commissioner, and the
compensatory education revenue must be prorated based on the ratio of the number of days
of student instruction to 170 days.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end Notwithstanding paragraph (c), for fiscal year 2026, if the deleted text begin calculation under
paragraph (d) results in statewide revenue of deleted text end new text begin sum of the amounts calculated under paragraph
(c) is new text end less than $838,947,000, deleted text begin additional revenue must be provided deleted text end new text begin the commissioner must
proportionately increase the revenue new text end to each building deleted text begin in a manner prescribed by the
commissioner of education deleted text end until new text begin the new text end total statewide revenue new text begin calculated for each building
new text end equals $838,947,000.

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end Notwithstanding paragraph (c), for fiscal year 2027 new text begin and later new text end , if the deleted text begin calculation
under paragraph (d) results in statewide revenue of deleted text end new text begin sum of the amounts calculated under
paragraph (c) is new text end less than $857,152,000, deleted text begin additional revenue must be provided deleted text end new text begin the
commissioner must proportionately increase the revenue new text end to each building deleted text begin in a manner
prescribed by the commissioner of education deleted text end until new text begin the new text end total statewide revenue new text begin calculated
for each building new text end equals $857,152,000.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2025 and later.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 3a, is amended
to read:

Subd. 3a.

Definitions.

The definitions in this subdivision apply only to subdivisions 3,
3b, and 3c.

(a) "Building compensatory allowance" means a building concentration factor multiplied
by the statewide compensatory allowance.

(b) "Building concentration factor" means the ratio of a building's compensatory pupils
to the number of pupils enrolled in the building on October 1 of the previous fiscal year.

(c) "Compensatory pupils" means the sum of the number of pupils enrolled in a building
eligible to receive free meals pursuant to subdivision 3b plus one-half of the pupils eligible
to receive reduced-priced meals pursuant to subdivision 3b on October 1 of the previous
fiscal year.

(d) "Statewide compensatory allowance" means the amount calculated pursuant to
subdivision 3c.

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c), for voluntary prekindergarten programs
under section 124D.151, charter schools, and contracted alternative programs in the first
year of operation, the building concentration factor and compensatory pupils must be
computed using data for the current fiscal year. If the voluntary prekindergarten program,
charter school, or contracted alternative program begins operation after October 1, the
building concentration factor and compensatory pupils must be computed based on pupils
enrolled on an alternate date determined by the commissioner and the compensatory pupils
must be prorated based on the ratio of the number of days of student instruction to 170 days.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2025 and later.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 3c, is amended
to read:

Subd. 3c.

Statewide compensatory allowance.

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end For fiscal year 2026, the statewide
compensatory allowance is $6,734. For fiscal year 2027 and later, the statewide compensatory
allowance equals the statewide compensatory allowance in effect for the prior fiscal year
times the ratio of the formula allowance under section 126C.10, subdivision 2, for the current
fiscal year to the formula allowance under section 126C.10, subdivision 2, for the prior
fiscal year, rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

deleted text begin (b) For fiscal year 2026 and later, the statewide compensatory allowance equals the
statewide compensatory allowance in effect for the prior fiscal year times the ratio of the
formula allowance under section 126C.10, subdivision 2, for the current fiscal year to the
formula allowance under section 126C.10, subdivision 2, for the prior fiscal year, rounded
to the nearest whole dollar.
deleted text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 126C.10, subdivision 13a, is amended to read:

Subd. 13a.

Operating capital levy.

new text begin (a) new text end To obtain operating capital revenue, a district
may levy an amount not more than the product of its operating capital new text begin equalization new text end revenue
for the fiscal year times the lesser of one or the ratio of its adjusted net tax capacity per
adjusted pupil unit to the operating capital equalizing factor. The operating capital equalizing
factor equals deleted text begin $23,902 for fiscal year 2020, $23,885 for fiscal year 2021, and deleted text end $22,912 for
fiscal year deleted text begin 2022 and later deleted text end new text begin 2024, $23,138 for fiscal year 2025, and $22,912 for fiscal year
2026 and later new text end .

new text begin (b) A district's operating capital equalization revenue equals the district's total operating
capital revenue under subdivision 13, calculated without the amount under subdivision 13,
paragraph (a), clause (3).
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2024 and later.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 18a, is
amended to read:

Subd. 18a.

Pupil transportation adjustment.

(a) An independent, common, or special
school district's transportation sparsity revenue under subdivision 18 is increased by the
greater of zero or 35 percent of the difference between:

(1) the lesser of the district's total cost for regular and excess pupil transportation under
section 123B.92, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), including depreciation, for the previous fiscal
year or 105 percent of the district's total cost for the second previous fiscal year; and

(2) the sum of:

(i) 4.66 percent of the district's basic revenue for the previous fiscal year;

(ii) transportation sparsity revenue under subdivision 18 for the previous fiscal year;

(iii) the district's charter school transportation adjustment for the previous fiscal year;
deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(iv) the district's reimbursement for transportation provided under section 123B.92,
subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (1), item (vi) new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (v) the district's area learning center transportation aid under section 123B.92, subdivision
11 new text end .

(b) A charter school's pupil transportation adjustment equals the school district per pupil
new text begin unit new text end adjustment under paragraph (a).

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2025 and later.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 127A.33, is amended to read:

127A.33 SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND; APPORTIONMENT.

The commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end apportion the school endowment fund semiannually on
the first Monday in March and September in each year deleted text begin , deleted text end to districts deleted text begin whose schools deleted text end new text begin and
participating schools and American Indian schools as defined in section 124D.73 that new text end have
been in session at least nine months. The apportionment deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end be in proportion to each
district's new text begin , participating school's, and American Indian school's new text end adjusted average daily
membership during the preceding year. The apportionment deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end not be paid to a
district new text begin , participating school, or American Indian school new text end for pupils for whom tuition is
received by the district new text begin or school new text end .

Sec. 14.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 1, section 36, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws
2024, chapter 81, section 1, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

General education aid.

(a) For general education aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 126C.13, subdivision 4:

	$	8,103,909,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 8,299,317,000 deleted text end new text begin 8,333,843,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) The 2024 appropriation includes $707,254,000 for 2023 and $7,396,655,000 for
2024.

(c) The 2025 appropriation includes $771,421,000 for 2024 and deleted text begin $7,527,896,000 deleted text end new text begin
$7,562,422,000 new text end for 2025.

Sec. 15.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 1, section 36, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

One-room schoolhouse.

new text begin (a) new text end For deleted text begin a grant deleted text end new text begin aid new text end to Independent School District No.
690, Warroad, to operate the Angle Inlet School:

	$	65,000	.....	2024
	$	65,000	.....	2025

new text begin (b) This aid is 100 percent payable in the current year.
new text end

Sec. 16.

Laws 2023, chapter 64, article 15, section 34, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Windom School District onetime supplemental aid.

(a) For aid to Independent
School District No. 177, Windom:

$

1,000,000

.....

2024

(b) For fiscal year 2024 only, Windom School District's onetime supplemental aid equals
the greater of zero or the product of: (1) $10,000, and (2) the difference between the October
1, 2022, pupil enrollment count and the October 1, 2023, pupil enrollment count. The amount
calculated under this paragraph must not exceed $1,000,000.

(c) 100 percent of the aid must be paid in the current year.

(d) This is a onetime appropriation.

new text begin (e) On June 29, 2024, $840,000 from the initial fiscal year 2024 appropriation is canceled
to the general fund.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 17. new text begin BASIC SKILLS REVENUE ACCOUNT TRANSFERS.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.15, subdivision 4, by June 30, 2025,
school districts with a balance in their basic skills revenue account that is restricted for use
on extended time programs must transfer those funds to an account that is restricted for
basic skills revenue.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 121A.642, is amended to read:

121A.642 PARAPROFESSIONAL TRAINING.

Subdivision 1.

Training required.

A school district deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin , new text end charter school new text begin , intermediate,
other cooperative unit, Perpich Center for Arts Education, or the Minnesota State Academies new text end
must provide a minimum of eight hours of paid orientation or professional development
annually to all paraprofessionals, Title I aides, and other instructional support staff. Six of
the eight hours must be completed before the first instructional day of the school year or
within 30 days of hire. The orientation or professional development must be relevant to the
employee's occupation and may include collaboration time with classroom teachers and
planning for the school year. For paraprofessionals who provide direct support to students,
at least 50 percent of the professional development or orientation must be dedicated to
meeting the requirements of this section. Professional development for paraprofessionals
may also address the requirements of section 120B.363, subdivision 3. A school administrator
must provide an annual certification of compliance with this requirement to the commissioner.

Subd. 2.

Reimbursement for paraprofessional training.

(a) Beginning in fiscal year
2025, the commissioner of education must reimburse school districts, charter schools,
intermediate school districts and other cooperative units, the Perpich Center for Arts
Education, and the Minnesota State Academies in the form and manner specified by the
commissioner for paraprofessional training costs.

(b) The paraprofessional reimbursement equals the prior year compensation expenses
associated with providing up to eight hours of paid orientation and professional development
for each paraprofessional trained under subdivision 1. new text begin "Compensation" means the regular
hourly wage as defined in applicable collective bargaining agreements, Federal Insurance
Contributions Act (FICA) taxes under United States Code, title 26, chapter 21, and employer
contributions required under chapter 352, 353, 354, or 354A.
new text end

(c) The commissioner may establish procedures to ensure that any costs reimbursed
under this section are excluded from other school revenue calculations.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2024 and later.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.093, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Approval process.

(a) The commissioner of education must appoint an advisory
committee to review the applications and to recommend approval for those applications
that meet the requirements of this section. The commissioner of education has final authority
over application approvals.

(b) To the extent practicable, the commissioner must ensure an equitable geographic
distribution of approved P-TECH schools.

deleted text begin (c) The commissioner must first begin approving applications for a P-TECH school
enrolling students in the 2020-2021 school year or later.
deleted text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.093, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

P-TECH new text begin implementation grants: new text end support new text begin ; start-up; and mentoring new text end
grants.

new text begin (a) new text end When an appropriation is available, each P-TECH school is eligible for a grant
to support start-up and ongoing program costs, which may include, but are not limited to,
recruitment, student support, program materials, and P-TECH school liaisons. new text begin A P-TECH
school may form a partnership with a school in another school district.
new text end

new text begin (b) For fiscal year 2026 and later, the maximum P-TECH support grant must not exceed
$500,000 per year. A support grant may be awarded for a period not to exceed two years.
new text end

new text begin (c) new text end An approved P-TECH school is eligible to receive a grant to support start-up costs
the year before first enrolling P-TECH students. new text begin A start-up grant may be awarded to a new
applicant in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
new text end

new text begin (d) A grant recipient operating a P-TECH program may provide mentoring and technical
assistance to a school eligible for a start-up grant. A mentoring and technical assistance
grant may not exceed $50,000.
new text end

new text begin (e) For each year that an appropriation is made for the purposes of this section, the
department may retain five percent of the appropriation for grant administration and program
oversight.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.19, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Program approval.

deleted text begin To be eligible for revenue for the program for adults with
disabilities, a program and budget must receive approval from the community education
section in the department. Approval may be for five years. During that time, a board must
report any significant changes to the department for approval. For programs offered
cooperatively, the request for approval must include an agreement on the method by which
local money is to be derived and distributed. A request for approval deleted text end new text begin (a) Beginning July 1,
2024, and at least once every five years thereafter, a district's community education advisory
council must review and approve the district's adults with disabilities program and submit
a statement of assurances to the commissioner in the form and manner determined by the
commissioner. The program must seek feedback from adults with disabilities and other
community organizations providing services to adults with disabilities.
new text end

new text begin (b) Each school district with an adults with disabilities program new text end must include deleted text begin all of deleted text end new text begin at
least new text end the following new text begin information about its adults with disabilities program in its annual
community education report under subdivision 14 new text end :

(1) new text begin a summary of the new text end characteristics of the people deleted text begin to be deleted text end served new text begin by the program new text end ;

(2) new text begin a new text end description of the program services and activities;

(3) new text begin the most recent new text end program budget deleted text begin and amount of aid requested deleted text end ;

(4) new text begin a summary of the new text end participation by adults with disabilities in developing the program;

(5) new text begin an new text end assessment of the needs of adults with disabilities; and

(6) new text begin a description of new text end cooperative efforts with community organizations.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2024, for plans developed on or
after that date.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.81, subdivision 2b, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2b.

Carry forward of funds.

Notwithstanding section 16A.28, if a school district
or Tribal contract school does not expend the full amount of the American Indian education
aid in accordance with the plan in the designated fiscal year, the school district or Tribal
contract school may carry forward and expend up to half of the remaining funds in the deleted text begin first
six months of the deleted text end following fiscal year, and is not subject to an aid reduction if:

(1) the district is otherwise following the plan submitted and approved under subdivision
2;

(2) the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee for the school is aware of and has
approved the carry forward and has concurred with the district's educational offerings
extended to American Indian students under section 124D.78;

(3) the funds carried over are used in accordance with section 124D.74, subdivision 1;
and

(4) by April 1, the district reports to the Department of Education American Indian
education director the reason the aid was not expended in the designated fiscal year, and
describes how the district intends to expend the funds in the following fiscal year. The
district must report this information in the form and manner determined by the commissioner.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2024 and later.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.957, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Establishment and membership.

The Minnesota Youth Council
Committee is established within and under the auspices of the Minnesota Alliance With
Youth. The committee consists of four members from each congressional district in
Minnesota and four members selected at-large. Members must be selected through an
application and interview process conducted by the Minnesota Alliance With Youth. In
making its appointments, the Minnesota Alliance With Youth should strive to ensure gender
and ethnic diversity in the committee's membership. Members must be deleted text begin between the ages of
13 and 19 deleted text end new text begin in grades 8 through 12 new text end and serve two-year terms, except that one-half of the initial
members must serve a one-year term. Members may serve a maximum of two terms.

Sec. 7.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 1, section 36, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Emergency medical training.

(a) For grants to offer high school students
courses in emergency medical services:

	$	500,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 500,000 deleted text end new text begin 750,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) A school district, charter school, or cooperative unit under Minnesota Statutes, section
123A.24, subdivision 2, may apply for a grant under this section to offer enrolled students
emergency medical services courses approved by the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services
Regulatory Board to prepare students to take the emergency medical technician certification
test, including an emergency medical services course that is a prerequisite to an emergency
medical technician course.

(c) A grant recipient may use grant funds to partner with a district, charter school,
cooperative unit, postsecondary institution, political subdivision, or entity with expertise in
emergency medical services, including health systems, hospitals, ambulance services, and
health care providers to offer an emergency medical services course.

(d) Eligible uses of grant funds include teacher salaries, transportation, equipment costs,
emergency medical technician certification test fees, and student background checks.

(e) To the extent practicable, the commissioner must award new text begin at least new text end half of the grant
funds to applicants outside of the seven-county metropolitan area, and new text begin at least new text end 30 percent
of the grant funds to applicants with high concentrations of students of color.

(f) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.

new text begin (g) Of the amount in fiscal year 2025 only, $250,000 is for a grant to Independent School
District No. 742, St. Cloud, for an emergency medical services education facility suitable
for coursework in emergency medical services. For the project under this paragraph, eligible
uses of grant funds include any design and construction costs and remodeling costs necessary
to prepare the education facility in addition to the eligible uses under paragraph (d).
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, up to three percent
of the amount in this paragraph is available for grant administration.
new text end

new text begin (h) The base for fiscal year 2026 and later is $500,000.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 2, section 64, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws
2024, chapter 81, section 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Achievement and integration aid.

(a) For achievement and integration aid
under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.862:

	$	82,818,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 84,739,000 deleted text end new text begin 85,043,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) The 2024 appropriation includes $8,172,000 for 2023 and $74,646,000 for 2024.

(c) The 2025 appropriation includes $8,294,000 for 2024 and deleted text begin $76,445,000 deleted text end new text begin $76,749,000 new text end
for 2025.

Sec. 9.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 2, section 64, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14.

Ethnic studies school grants.

(a) For competitive grants to school districts
and charter schools to develop, evaluate, and implement ethnic studies courses:

	$	700,000	.....	2024
	$	700,000	.....	2025

(b) The commissioner must consult with the Ethnic Studies Working Group to develop
criteria for the grants.

(c) Up to five percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration.

new text begin (d) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 2, section 64, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16.

Full-service community schools.

(a) For grants to plan or expand the
full-service community schools program under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.231:

	$	7,500,000	.....	2024
	$	7,500,000	.....	2025

(b) Of this amount, priority must be given to programs in the following order:

(1) current grant recipients issued under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.231;

(2) schools identified as low-performing under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act;
and

(3) any other applicants.

(c) Up to two percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration.

(d) The base for fiscal year 2026 and later is $5,000,000.

new text begin (e) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 11.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 2, section 64, subdivision 26, is amended to read:

Subd. 26.

Minnesota Council on Economic Education.

(a) For a grant to the Minnesota
Council on Economic Education:

	$	200,000	.....	2024
	$	200,000	.....	2025

(b) The grant must be used to:

(1) provide professional development to kindergarten through grade 12 teachers
implementing state graduation standards in learning areas related to economic education;
and

(2) support the direct-to-student ancillary economic and personal finance programs that
teachers supervise and coach.

(c) By February 15 of each year following the receipt of a grant, the Minnesota Council
on Economic Education must report to the commissioner of education the number and type
of in-person and online teacher professional development opportunities provided by the
Minnesota Council on Economic Education or its affiliated state centers. The report must
include a description of the content, length, and location of the programs; the number of
preservice and licensed teachers receiving professional development through each of these
opportunities; and summaries of evaluations of teacher professional opportunities.

(d) deleted text begin The Department of Education must pay the full amount of the grant to the Minnesota
Council on Economic Education by August 15 of each fiscal year for which the grant is
appropriated. deleted text end The Minnesota Council on Economic Education must submit its fiscal reporting
in the form and manner specified by the commissioner. The commissioner may request
additional information as necessary.

(e) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.

(f) The base for fiscal year 2026 and later is $0.

Sec. 12.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 2, section 64, subdivision 31, is amended to read:

Subd. 31.

Nonexclusionary discipline.

(a) For grants to school districts and charter
schools to provide training for school staff on nonexclusionary disciplinary practices:

	$	1,750,000	.....	2024
	$	1,750,000	.....	2025

(b) Grants are to develop training and to work with schools to train staff on
nonexclusionary disciplinary practices that maintain the respect, trust, and attention of
students and help keep students in classrooms. These funds may also be used for grant
administration.

(c) Eligible grantees include school districts, charter schools, intermediate school districts,
and cooperative units as defined in section 123A.24, subdivision 2.

(d) Up to five percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration.

new text begin (e) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 2, section 64, subdivision 33, is amended to read:

Subd. 33.

P-TECH schools.

(a) For P-TECH support grants under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.093, subdivision 5:

	$	791,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 791,000 deleted text end new text begin 0 new text end	.....	2025

(b) The amounts in this subdivision are for grants, including to a public-private
partnership that includes Independent School District No. 535, Rochester.

(c) deleted text begin Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year deleted text end new text begin This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2025. The base for fiscal year 2026 and later is $0 new text end .

new text begin (d) Up to five percent of the fiscal year 2024 appropriation is available for grant
administration.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 14. new text begin DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP, INTERNET SAFETY, AND MEDIA LITERACY
ADVISORY COUNCIL.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of education must
establish and convene the 25-member Digital Citizenship, Internet Safety, and Media Literacy
Advisory Council. The council must be composed of the following members:
new text end

new text begin (1) three licensed classroom teachers, one each from a district or charter school located
in rural, urban, and suburban Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (2) three licensed school media specialists, one each from a district or charter school
located in rural, urban, and suburban Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (3) three representatives from parent-teacher organizations, one each from a district or
charter school located in rural, urban, and suburban Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (4) four representatives from the Minnesota Regional Public Library Systems;
new text end

new text begin (5) two academic librarians;
new text end

new text begin (6) two people with expertise in digital citizenship;
new text end

new text begin (7) two people with expertise in Internet safety;
new text end

new text begin (8) two people with expertise in computer science education;
new text end

new text begin (9) two representatives from school districts with expertise in student information systems
and the data privacy issues surrounding those systems; and
new text end

new text begin (10) two people with expertise in media literacy.
new text end

new text begin (b) Advisory council member compensation is determined under Minnesota Statutes,
section 15.059.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The advisory council must make recommendations to the commissioner
of education regarding:
new text end

new text begin (1) best practices relating to instruction in digital citizenship, Internet safety, and media
literacy; and
new text end

new text begin (2) methods of instructing students to safely, ethically, responsibly, and effectively use
media and technology resources.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin By January 14, 2026, the commissioner must report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over kindergarten
through grade 12 education. The report must include guidelines to assist stakeholders with
instructional practices and methods regarding digital citizenship, Internet safety, and media
literacy under subdivision 2 and any draft legislation, if necessary.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Meetings. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must convene the first meeting by April 1, 2025.
At the first meeting, the members must select a chair or cochairs to convene and facilitate
future advisory council meetings. The commissioner must provide administrative support
to the advisory council.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Open meeting law. new text end

new text begin Meetings of the advisory council are subject to the
Minnesota Open Meeting Law under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin The advisory council expires on January 15, 2026.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 15. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sums indicated in this section are
appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years
designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Civic education grants. new text end

new text begin (a) For the Minnesota Civic Education Coalition for
grants to Youth in Government, the Learning Law and Democracy Foundation, and the
YMCA Center for Youth Voice to support civic education programs for youth age 18 and
under to provide teacher professional development, educational resources, and program
support:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 150,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) The programs must instruct students in:
new text end

new text begin (1) the constitutional principles and the democratic foundation of our national, state,
and local institutions; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the political processes and structures of government, grounded in the understanding
of constitutional government and individual rights.
new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, up to three
percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration.
new text end

new text begin (d) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Digital Citizenship, Internet Safety, and Media Literacy Advisory
Council. new text end

new text begin (a) For administration and per diem compensation for members of the Digital
Citizenship, Internet Safety, and Media Literacy Advisory Council:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 151,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota. new text end

new text begin (a) For a grant to the Dyslexia Institute of
Minnesota to provide free evidence-based literacy interventions to students who are reading
below grade level and are enrolled in public schools where a majority of students are eligible
for free or reduced-price meals:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 450,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) Grant funds must be used to support tutor training and compensation, curricular
materials, program delivery, and program administration.
new text end

new text begin (c) The Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota must provide a detailed report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over kindergarten
through grade 12 education and higher education by January 15, 2027. At a minimum, the
report must include information on how the grant funds were used and describe how the
grant-funded activities improved the literacy proficiency of participating students. The
report must be filed according to Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195.
new text end

new text begin (d) This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, the department
may retain up to three percent of this appropriation to administer the grant program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Girl Scouts. new text end

new text begin (a) For a grant to Girl Scouts River Valleys as fiscal agent for Girl
Scouts councils' community engagement programs:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 500,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) Grant funds must be used for community engagement programs for underserved
communities and girls facing systemic barriers in education through innovative, culturally
responsive programming for underrepresented, underresourced girls in kindergarten through
grade 12, including programming relating to healthy relationships; science, technology,
engineering, and math; financial literacy; college and career readiness; and leadership
development and service learning.
new text end

new text begin (c) By February 1, 2026, the grantee must submit a report detailing expenditures and
outcomes of the grant-supported programs to the commissioner of education and the chairs
and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over
kindergarten through grade 12 education policy and finance. The report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) self-reported demographic information for the participants in programs funded by
the grant;
new text end

new text begin (2) the number and percentage of participants who self-report positive social and
emotional health benefits as a result of participating in the program; and
new text end

new text begin (3) self-reported data on the number of participants who believe they will graduate from
high school and enroll in postsecondary education or career training.
new text end

new text begin (d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, up to three
percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration.
new text end

new text begin (e) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Alliance With Youth. new text end

new text begin (a) For a grant to the Minnesota Alliance
With Youth to improve student attendance and academic engagement provided through the
Promise Fellow program:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 625,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) The Promise Fellow program must form partnerships with AmeriCorps members,
individual schools, school districts, charter schools, and community organizations to provide
attendance and academic engagement intervention services. Services may include family
and caregiver outreach and engagement, academic support, connection to out-of-school
activities and resources, and individual and small group mentoring designed to help students
return to and maintain consistent school attendance.
new text end

new text begin (c) The Minnesota Alliance With Youth must promote Promise Fellow program
opportunities throughout the state.
new text end

new text begin (d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, up to three
percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration.
new text end

new text begin (e) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Youth Council. new text end

new text begin (a) For a grant to the Minnesota Alliance With
Youth for the activities of the Minnesota Youth Council:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 375,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, up to three
percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration.
new text end

new text begin (c) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin P-TECH schools. new text end

new text begin (a) For P-TECH implementation grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.093, subdivision 5:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 791,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) Of the amount in paragraph (a), at least $500,000 is for a grant to a public-private
partnership that includes Independent School District No. 535, Rochester. The department
may award start-up grants and mentoring and technical assistance grants.
new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, the department
may retain money from this appropriation for administrative costs under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.093, subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin (d) This appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (e) The base for fiscal year 2026 is $791,000, of which at least $250,000 is for a support
grant to a public-private partnership that includes Independent School District No. 535,
Rochester. The base for fiscal year 2027 and later is $791,000, of which at least $50,000 is
for a mentorship and technical assistance grant to a public-private partnership that includes
Independent School District No. 535, Rochester.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Student connections pilot program. new text end

new text begin (a) For a pilot program to help connect
students to their schools and improve student attendance:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 5,000,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) A school district, charter school, intermediate district, or other cooperative unit may
apply to the commissioner of education in the form and manner determined by the
commissioner for participation in the student connections pilot program. A school district,
charter school, intermediate district, or cooperative unit may individually or jointly apply
for participation in the pilot program. To the extent practicable, the commissioner must
select pilot program participants representing urban, suburban, and rural schools. In selecting
pilot program participants, the commissioner must give priority to applicants who demonstrate
low consistent student attendance among enrolled students according to the most recent
North Star Accountability data or according to another reliable data source selected by the
commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner of education may award a student connections grant to each pilot
program participant. The grant may not exceed $250,000 per individual or joint applicant.
new text end

new text begin (d) A student connections grant under this subdivision must be used for programs that
build connections to students and encourage regular school attendance. A school may provide
a program with its own staff or a school may contract for services. Student connections
program activities may include individualized contact through phone, texting, and home
visits. To the extent possible, a program must include preventive measures, build student
skills and capacity to remain in school, use existing school and community resources, and
focus on the individual needs of each student.
new text end

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, the commissioner
may retain up to $150,000 to administer the pilot program and grants.
new text end

new text begin (f) On or before January 15 in each of calendar years 2026, 2027, and 2028, the
commissioner of education must deliver a report on the pilot program to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
prekindergarten through grade 12 education finance and policy. Each report must include
information on the progress of the pilot program and the programmatic activities and student
attendance outcomes among the pilot program participants, including any successful strategies
implemented by participants. The report must be filed according to Minnesota Statutes,
section 3.195.
new text end

new text begin (g) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (h) This appropriation does not cancel but is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Writing skills. new text end

new text begin (a) For a grant to 826 MSP:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 300,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) The grant recipient must use grant funds for programs for students from low-income
families and students of color in the Twin Cities that strengthen students' literacy skills,
increase student engagement, and develop student leadership. Grant funds may be used to:
new text end

new text begin (1) provide all-day, in-school academic support and tutoring throughout the school year;
new text end

new text begin (2) provide year-round, out-of-school writing, publishing, and leadership activities;
new text end

new text begin (3) enhance career exploration opportunities, including exposure to literary arts and
creative industries; and
new text end

new text begin (4) support families' literacy development through family literacy activities.
new text end

new text begin (c) A grant applicant must submit to the commissioner of education a description of the
program's goals and strategies consistent with the evidence-based grant requirements of
Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.20. The grant recipient must submit a preliminary report
on the program's status on January 15, 2025, and submit a final report consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.20.
new text end

new text begin (d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, the department
may retain up to five percent of the appropriation amount to monitor and administer the
grant program.
new text end

new text begin (e) This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

READ ACT

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.123, subdivision 7, is
amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Department of Education.

(a) By July 1, 2023, the department must make
available to districts a list of approved evidence-based screeners in accordance with section
120B.12. A district must use an approved screener to assess students' mastery of foundational
reading skills in accordance with section 120B.12.

(b) The Department of Education must partner with CAREI as required under section
120B.124 to approve professional development programs, subject to final determination by
the department. After the implementation partnership under section 120B.124 ends, the
department must continue to regularly provide districts with information about professional
development opportunities available throughout the state on reading instruction that is
evidence-based.

(c) The department must identify training required for a literacy lead and literacy specialist
employed by a district or Minnesota service cooperatives.

(d) The department must employ a literacy specialist to provide support to districts
implementing the Read Act and coordinate duties assigned to the department under the
Read Act. The literacy specialist must work on state efforts to improve literacy tracking
and implementation.

(e) The department must develop a template for a local literacy plan in accordance with
section 120B.12, subdivision 4a.

new text begin (f) The department must partner with CAREI as required under section 120B.124 to
approve literacy intervention models, subject to final determination by the department. The
department must make a list of the approved intervention models available to districts, and
make available to districts a list of at least 15 approved evidence-based literacy intervention
models by November 1, 2025. The department may make the list of approved intervention
models available as each program is approved.
new text end

new text begin (g) The department must provide ongoing coaching and support to certified trained
facilitators.
new text end

new text begin (h) The department must collaborate with the publishers of curriculum and intervention
models approved by the department and CAREI to update the curriculum and materials to
meet the culturally responsive standard under section 120B.124, subdivision 1, and reflect
students with disabilities.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.124, subdivision 1, is amended
to read:

Subdivision 1.

Resources.

new text begin (a) new text end The Department of Education must partner with CAREI
for two years beginning July 1, 2023, until August 30, 2025, to support implementation of
the Read Act. The department and CAREI must jointly:

(1) identify at least five literacy curricula and supporting materials that are evidence-based
or focused on structured literacy by January 1, 2024, and post a list of the curricula on the
department website. The list must new text begin only new text end include curricula that use culturally and linguistically
responsive materials that reflect diverse populations and deleted text begin , to the extent practicable, deleted text end curricula
that reflect the experiences of students from diverse backgrounds, including multilingual
learners, biliterate students, and students who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
A district is not required to use an approved curriculum, unless the curriculum was purchased
with state funds that require a curriculum to be selected from a list of approved curricula;

(2) identify at least three professional development programs that focus on the five pillars
of literacy and the components of structured literacy by August 15, 2023, subject to final
approval by the department. The department must post a list of the programs on the
department website. The programs may include a program offered by CAREI. The
requirements of section 16C.08 do not apply to the selection of a provider under this section;

(3) identify evidence-based literacy intervention materials for students in kindergarten
through grade 12;

(4) develop an evidence-based literacy lead training program that trains literacy specialists
throughout Minnesota to support schools' efforts in screening, measuring growth, monitoring
progress, and implementing interventions in accordance with subdivision 1;

(5) identify measures of foundational literacy skills and mastery that a district must
report on a local literacy plan;

(6) provide guidance to districts about best practices in literacy instruction, and practices
that are not evidence-based;

(7) develop MTSS model plans that districts may adopt to support efforts to screen,
identify, intervene, and monitor the progress of students not reading at grade level; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(8) ensure that teacher professional development options and MTSS framework trainings
are geographically equitable by supporting trainings through the regional service
cooperatives deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (9) develop a coaching and mentorship program for certified trained facilitators; and
new text end

new text begin (10) identify at least 15 evidence-based literacy intervention models by November 1,
2025, and post a list of the interventions on the department website. A district is not required
to use an approved intervention model, unless the intervention model was purchased with
state funds that require an intervention model to be selected from a list of approved models.
new text end

new text begin (b) The department must contract to develop culturally and linguistically responsive
supplemental materials and guidance for the approved literacy curricula to meet the culturally
and linguistically responsive standard in paragraph (a), clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (c) The department and CAREI may partner to revise the list of culturally and
linguistically responsive curriculum and supporting materials that are evidence-based or
that are focused on structured literacy, starting in 2033.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.124, subdivision 2, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2.

Reconsideration.

new text begin (a) new text end The department and CAREI must provide districts an
opportunity to request that the department and CAREI add to the list of curricula or
professional development programs a specific curriculum or professional development
program. The department must publish the request for reconsideration procedure on the
department website. A request for reconsideration must demonstrate that the curriculum or
professional development program meets the requirements of the Read Act, is
evidence-based, and has structured literacy components deleted text begin ; or that the screener accurately
measures literacy growth, monitors progress, and accurately assesses effective reading,
including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension deleted text end . The
department and CAREI must review the request for reconsideration and approve or deny
the request within 60 days.

new text begin (b) The department and CAREI must conduct a final curriculum review by March 3,
2025, to review curriculum that is available to districts at no cost.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.98, subdivision 5, is amended
to read:

Subd. 5.

Literacy incentive aid uses.

A school district must use its literacy incentive
aid to support implementation of evidence-based reading instruction. The following are
eligible uses of literacy incentive aid:

(1) training for kindergarten through grade 3 teachers, early childhood educators, special
education teachers, reading intervention teachers working with students in kindergarten
through grade 12, curriculum directors, and instructional support staff that provide reading
instruction, on using evidence-based screening and progress monitoring tools;

(2) evidence-based training using a training program approved by the Department of
Education new text begin under the Read Act new text end ;

(3) employing or contracting with a literacy lead, as defined in section deleted text begin 120B.1118 deleted text end new text begin
120B.119 new text end ;

new text begin (4) employing an intervention specialist;
new text end

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (5) screeners, new text end materials, training, and ongoing coaching to ensure reading interventions
under section 125A.56, subdivision 1, are evidence-based; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end costs of substitute teachers to allow teachers to complete required training during
the teachers' contract day deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (7) stipends for teachers completing training required under section 120B.12.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2025 and later.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 3, section 11, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Read Act deleted text begin curriculum and intervention materials reimbursement deleted text end new text begin literacy
aid new text end .

(a) deleted text begin To reimburse deleted text end new text begin For state aid for new text end school districts, charter schools, and cooperative
units for evidence-based literacy supports for children in prekindergarten through grade 12
based on structured literacy:

$

35,000,000

.....

2024

(b) deleted text begin The commissioner must use this appropriation to reimburse school districts, charter
schools, and cooperatives for approved evidence-based structured literacy curriculum and
supporting materials, and intervention materials purchased after July 1, 2021. An applicant
must apply for the reimbursement in the form and manner determined by the commissioner deleted text end new text begin
The aid amount for each school district, charter school, and cooperative unit providing direct
instructional services equals the greater of $2,000 or $39.91 times the number of students
served by the school district, charter school, or cooperative as determined by the fall 2023
enrollment count of students new text end .

(c) deleted text begin The commissioner must report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
kindergarten through grade 12 education the districts, charter schools, and cooperative units
that receive literacy grants and the amounts of each grant, by January 15, 2025, according
to Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195 deleted text end new text begin A school district, charter school, or cooperative unit
must place any aid received under this subdivision in a reserved account in the general fund.
Aid in the reserved account may only be used for literacy interventions authorized under
the Read Act or for literacy incentive aid uses under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.98,
subdivision 5 new text end .

(d) deleted text begin A school district, charter school, or cooperative unit must purchase curriculum and
instructional materials that reflect diverse populations.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end Of this amount, up to $250,000 is available for deleted text begin grant deleted text end administration.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (e) This appropriation does not cancel but is available until June 30, 2025. new text end This is a
onetime appropriation deleted text begin and is available until June 30, 2028 deleted text end .

new text begin (f) This aid is 100 percent payable in fiscal year 2025.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 3, section 11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Read Act professional development.

(a) For evidence-based training on
structured literacy for teachers working in school districts, charter schools, and cooperatives:

	$	34,950,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 0 deleted text end new text begin 7,000,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) Of the amount in paragraph (a), $18,000,000 new text begin in fiscal year 2024 new text end is for new text begin the Department
of Education and the new text end regional literacy networks and $16,700,000 new text begin in fiscal year 2024 and
$7,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 new text end is for statewide training. The department must use the funding
to develop new text begin a data collection system to collect and analyze the submission of the local literacy
plans and student-level universal screening data, to establish the new text end regional literacy networks
as a partnership between the department and the Minnesota service cooperatives, and to
administer statewide training based in structured literacy to be offered free to school districts
and charter schools and facilitated by the regional literacy networks and the department.
The regional literacy networks must focus on implementing comprehensive literacy reform
efforts based on structured literacy. Each regional literacy network must add a literacy lead
position and establish a team of trained literacy coaches to facilitate evidence-based structured
literacy training opportunities and ongoing supports to school districts and charter schools
in each of their regions. new text begin Funds appropriated under this subdivision may also be used to
provide training in structured literacy to fourth and fifth grade classroom teachers.
new text end

(c) Of the amount in paragraph (a), $250,000 new text begin in fiscal year 2024 only new text end is for administration.

(d) If funds remain unspent on July 1, 2026, the commissioner must expand eligibility
for approved training to include principals and other district, charter school, or cooperative
administrators.

(e) The commissioner must report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
kindergarten through grade 12 education the number of teachers from each district who
received approved structured literacy training using funds under this subdivision, and the
amounts awarded to districts, charter schools, or cooperatives.

(f) The regional literacy networks and staff at the Department of Education must provide
ongoing support to school districts, charter schools, and cooperatives implementing
evidence-based literacy instruction.

(g) This appropriation is available until June 30, 2028. The base for fiscal year 2026 and
later is $7,750,000, of which $6,500,000 is for the regional literacy networks and $1,250,000
is for statewide training.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin PELSB READING AUDIT REPORT.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board must conduct an audit
that evaluates whether and how approved teacher training programs for candidates for the
following licensure areas meet subject matter standards for reading:
new text end

new text begin (1) early childhood education in accordance with Minnesota Rules, part 8710.3000;
new text end

new text begin (2) elementary education in accordance with Minnesota Rules, part 8710.3200; and
new text end

new text begin (3) special education in accordance with Minnesota Rules, part 8710.5000.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must submit an initial report with its findings to the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over kindergarten through grade 12 and higher education by January 15,
2025, and a final report by August 1, 2026. Each report must:
new text end

new text begin (1) identify the reading standards for each licensure area, identify how they are aligned
to the requirements of the Read Act, including requirements on evidence-based instruction,
phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and reading
comprehension, and to the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.092, subdivision
5;
new text end

new text begin (2) describe how the board conducted the audit;
new text end

new text begin (3) identify the results of the audit; and
new text end

new text begin (4) summarize the program effectiveness reports for continuing approval related to
reading standards reviewed by the board, including the board determinations under Minnesota
Rules, part 8705.2200.
new text end

Sec. 8. new text begin READ ACT DEAF, DEAFBLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING WORKING
GROUP.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Working group purpose. new text end

new text begin The Department of Education must establish
a working group to make recommendations on literacy training, screeners, and curriculum
for students who cannot fully access sound-based approaches such as phonics.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Members. new text end

new text begin The Department of Education must appoint representatives from
the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of
Minnesota; the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing; the
Minnesota State Academies; Metro Deaf School; intermediate school districts; regional
low-incidence facilitators; a Deaf and Hard of Hearing teacher licensure preparation program
in Minnesota approved by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board; and
teachers of students who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin The working group must review curriculum, screeners, and training
approved under the Read Act and make recommendations for adapting curriculum, screeners,
and training available to districts, charter schools, teachers, and administrators to meet the
needs of students and educators who cannot fully access sound-based approaches. The report
must address how approved curriculum, screeners, and training may be modified and identify
resources for alternatives to sound-based approaches. The working group must post its
report on the Department of Education website, and submit the report to the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over kindergarten through grade 12 education no later than
January 15, 2025.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Administrative provisions. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner, or the commissioner's
designee, must convene the initial meeting of the working group. At the first meeting, the
department must provide members of the working group information on structured literacy
and the curriculum, screeners, and training approved under the Read Act.
new text end

new text begin (b) Members of the working group are eligible for per diem compensation as provided
under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3. The working group expires January
16, 2025, or upon submission of the report to the legislature under subdivision 3, whichever
is earlier.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sums indicated in this section are
appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education in the fiscal years
designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Read Act substitute teacher and teacher stipend reimbursements. new text end

new text begin (a) For
payments to school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units for substitute teachers
and teacher stipends related to Read Act implementation:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 23,800,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) To be eligible for payment under this subdivision, a school district, charter school,
or cooperative unit must apply in the form and manner determined by the commissioner for
reimbursement for: (1) substitute teachers to enable teachers to complete required training
during the school day, unless the teachers are compensated for time outside the school day
to complete the training, and (2) stipends to teachers who complete an evidence-based
professional development program approved under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.124.
To be eligible for the stipend, a teacher must have a license to teach in Minnesota; work for
a school district, charter school, or cooperative; and complete an approved professional
development program between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2027. If the appropriation is
insufficient, the commissioner must prorate the amounts to applicants seeking payment.
new text end

new text begin (c) This is a onetime appropriation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Read Act deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing working group. new text end

new text begin (a) For
administration and per diem compensation for members of the Read Act deaf, deafblind,
and hard of hearing working group:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 100,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Supplemental culturally responsive materials. new text end

new text begin (a) For a contract to develop
supplemental culturally responsive materials for evidence-based structured literacy
curriculum:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,000,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must issue a request for proposals for a contract to develop
supplemental culturally responsive materials for the approved evidence-based structured
literacy curriculum under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.124, subdivision 1, clause (1).
Upon completion, the commissioner must make the supplemental culturally responsive
materials available at no cost to districts.
new text end

new text begin (c) This is a onetime appropriation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Read Act paraprofessional training. new text end

new text begin (a) To provide structured literacy
instruction training to paraprofessionals:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 500,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) The department must partner with the Regional Centers of Excellence to provide
training for paraprofessionals that assist in providing Tier 2 literacy interventions to students
in Minnesota school districts on the key components of structured literacy instruction and
interventions by June 10, 2025. The training must be eight hours long.
new text end

new text begin (c) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Evidence-based reading instruction training reimbursement. new text end

new text begin (a) To
reimburse teachers for evidence-based reading instruction training:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,500,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) A teacher who is currently teaching in a Minnesota school district, charter school,
or cooperative unit must apply in the form and manner determined by the commissioner to
be eligible to receive reimbursement for the actual cost the applicant paid for an
evidence-based reading instruction training, including tuition, books, and other instructional
materials. The commissioner must establish procedures to ensure that the costs reimbursed
under this section have not been reimbursed by the applicant's employer or another source.
If the appropriation is insufficient, the commissioner must prorate the amount paid to
applicants seeking reimbursement.
new text end

new text begin (c) An eligible evidence-based reading instruction training is an approved professional
development program identified under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.124, subdivision
1, paragraph (a), clause (2), that was completed by the applicant between January 1, 2020,
and June 30, 2023.
new text end

new text begin (d) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

ARTICLE 4

TEACHERS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 120B.363, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Rulemaking.

new text begin (a) new text end The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards
Board must adopt rules to implement a statewide credential for education paraprofessionals
who assist a licensed teacher in providing student instruction. Any paraprofessional holding
this credential or working in a local school district after meeting a state-approved local
assessment is considered to be highly qualified under federal law. Under this subdivision,
the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, in consultation with the
commissioner, must adopt qualitative criteria for approving local assessments that include
an evaluation of a paraprofessional's knowledge of reading, writing, and math and the
paraprofessional's ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and math. The
commissioner must approve or disapprove local assessments using these criteria. The
commissioner must make the criteria available to the public.

new text begin (b) By September 1, 2024, the commissioner must establish qualifying scores for each
of the assessments approved under paragraph (a) that result in first-time passage rates for
individuals in all racial and ethnic groups of at least 95 percent.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 122A.415, subdivision 4, is amended
to read:

Subd. 4.

Basic alternative teacher compensation aid.

(a) The basic alternative teacher
compensation aid for a school with a plan approved under section 122A.414, subdivision
2b, equals 65 percent of the alternative teacher compensation revenue under subdivision 1.
The basic alternative teacher compensation aid for a charter school with a plan approved
under section 122A.414, subdivisions 2a and 2b, equals $260 times the number of pupils
enrolled in the school on October 1 of the previous year, or on October 1 of the current year
for a charter school in the first year of operation, times the ratio of the sum of the alternative
teacher compensation aid and alternative teacher compensation levy for all participating
school districts to the maximum alternative teacher compensation revenue for those districts
under subdivision 1.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) and subdivision 1, the state total basic alternative
teacher compensation aid entitlement must not exceed $88,118,000 for fiscal year 2023;
$88,461,000 for fiscal year 2024; deleted text begin $88,461,000 deleted text end new text begin $88,961,000 new text end for fiscal year 2025; and
$89,486,000 for fiscal year 2026 and later. The commissioner must limit the amount of
alternative teacher compensation aid approved under this section so as not to exceed these
limits by not approving new participants or by prorating the aid among participating districts,
intermediate school districts, school sites, and charter schools. The commissioner may also
reallocate a portion of the allowable aid for the biennium from the second year to the first
year to meet the needs of approved participants.

(c) Basic alternative teacher compensation aid for an intermediate district or other
cooperative unit equals $3,000 times the number of licensed teachers employed by the
intermediate district or cooperative unit on October 1 of the previous school year.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2025 and later.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 122A.415, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Revenue reserved. new text end

new text begin Revenue under this section must be reserved and used only
for the programs authorized under section 122A.414.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2025 and later.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 122A.73, subdivision 2, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2.

Grow Your Own district programs.

(a) A school district, charter school,
new text begin Tribal contract school, new text end or cooperative unit under section 123A.24, subdivision 2, may apply
for a grant for a teacher preparation program that meets the requirements of paragraph (c)
to establish a Grow Your Own pathway for adults to obtain their first professional teaching
license. The grant recipient must use at least 80 percent of grant funds to provide tuition
scholarships or stipends to enable deleted text begin school district deleted text end new text begin grant recipient new text end employees or community
members affiliated with a deleted text begin school district deleted text end new text begin grant recipient new text end , who are of color or American
Indian and who seek a teaching license, to participate in the teacher preparation program.
Grant funds may also be used to pay for teacher licensure exams and licensure fees.

(b) A district using grant funds under this subdivision to provide financial support to
teacher candidates may require a commitment as determined by the district to teach in the
deleted text begin district deleted text end new text begin school district, charter school, Tribal contract school, or cooperative unit new text end for a
reasonable amount of time that does not exceed five years.

(c) A grantee must partner with:

(1) a Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board-approved teacher preparation
program;

(2) a Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation-accredited teacher preparation
program from a private, not for profit, institution of higher education; or

(3) an institution that has an articulated transfer pathway with a board-approved teacher
preparation program.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 122A.73, subdivision 3, is amended
to read:

Subd. 3.

Grants for programs serving secondary school students.

(a) A school district new text begin , new text end
deleted text begin or deleted text end charter school new text begin , Tribal contract school, or cooperative unit new text end may apply for grants under
this section to offer other innovative programs that encourage secondary school students,
especially students of color and American Indian students, to pursue teaching. To be eligible
for a grant under this subdivision, an applicant must ensure that the aggregate percentage
of secondary school students of color and American Indian students participating in the
program is equal to or greater than the aggregate percentage of students of color and
American Indian students in the school district, charter school, new text begin Tribal contract school, new text end or
cooperative unit.

(b) A grant recipient must use grant funds awarded under this subdivision for:

(1) supporting future teacher clubs or service-learning opportunities that provide middle
and high school students with experiential learning that supports the success of younger
students or peers and increases students' interest in pursuing a teaching career;

(2) developing and offering postsecondary enrollment options for "Introduction to
Teaching" or "Introduction to Education" courses consistent with section 124D.09,
subdivision 10, that meet degree requirements for teacher licensure;

(3) providing direct support, including wrap-around services, for students who are of
color or American Indian to enroll and be successful in postsecondary enrollment options
courses under section 124D.09 that would meet degree requirements for teacher licensure;
or

(4) offering scholarships to graduating high school students who are of color or American
Indian to enroll in board-approved undergraduate teacher preparation programs at a college
or university in Minnesota new text begin or in an institution that has an articulated transfer pathway with
a board-approved teacher preparation program new text end .

(c) The maximum grant award under this subdivision is $500,000. The commissioner
may consider the number of participants a grant recipient intends to support when determining
a grant amount.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 122A.73, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Grant procedure.

(a) deleted text begin A district deleted text end new text begin An applicant new text end must apply for a grant under this
section in the form and manner specified by the commissioner. The commissioner must
give priority to deleted text begin districts deleted text end new text begin applicants new text end with the highest total number or percentage of students
who are of color or American Indian. To the extent that there are sufficient applications,
the commissioner must, to the extent practicable, award an equal number of grants between
deleted text begin districts deleted text end new text begin applicants new text end in greater Minnesota and those in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

(b) deleted text begin For the 2022-2023 school year and later, deleted text end Grant applications for new and existing
programs must be received by the commissioner no later than January 15 of the year prior
to the school year in which the grant will be used. The commissioner must review all
applications and notify grant recipients by March 15 or as soon as practicable of the
anticipated amount awarded. If the commissioner determines that sufficient funding is
unavailable for the grants, the commissioner must notify grant applicants by June 30 or as
soon as practicable that there are insufficient funds.

(c) deleted text begin For the 2021-2022 school year, the commissioner must set a timetable for awarding
grants as soon as practicable deleted text end new text begin The commissioner may allow existing grantees to revise their
grant agreements to operate under the current statutory program requirements of this section
if the requirements differ from those in place at the time of the original grant agreement new text end .

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 122A.77, subdivision 1, is amended
to read:

Subdivision 1.

Grant program established.

The commissioner of education must
administer a grant program to develop a pipeline of trained, licensed Tier 3 or Tier 4 special
education teachers. A school district, charter school, new text begin Tribal contract school, new text end or cooperative
unit under section 123A.24, subdivision 2, may apply for a grant under this section. An
applicant must partner with:

(1) a Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board-approved teacher preparation
program;

(2) a Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation-accredited teacher preparation
program from a private, not-for-profit, institution of higher education; or

(3) an institution that has an articulated transfer pathway with a board-approved teacher
preparation program.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 122A.77, subdivision 2, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2.

Grant uses.

(a) A grant recipient must use grant funds to support participants
who are employed by the grant recipient deleted text begin as either a paraprofessional or other unlicensed
staff, or a teacher with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 license deleted text end new text begin or are community members affiliated with
the grant recipient new text end , and new text begin who new text end demonstrate a willingness to be a special education teacher
after completing the program.

(b) A grant recipient may use grant funds for:

(1) tuition assistance or stipends for participants;

(2) supports for participants, including mentoring, licensure test preparation, and
technology support; or

(3) participant recruitment.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 122A.77, subdivision 3, is amended
to read:

Subd. 3.

Grant procedure.

(a) Applicants must apply for a grant under this section in
the form and manner specified by the commissioner.

(b) In awarding grants, the commissioner must prioritize funding for training to allow
participants holding a Tier 1 or Tier 2 special education license to obtain a Tier 3 special
education license.

(c) To the extent that there are sufficient applications, the commissioner must, to the
extent practicable, award an equal number of grants between applicants in greater Minnesota
and applicants in the metropolitan area.

new text begin (d) The commissioner may allow existing grantees to revise their grant agreements to
operate under the current statutory program requirements of this section if the requirements
differ from those in place at the time of the original grant agreement.
new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [123B.155] PAID LEAVE FOR SCHOOL CLOSURES.
new text end

new text begin A school district or charter school that alters its calendar due to a weather event, public
health emergency, or any other circumstance must continue to pay the full wages for
scheduled work hours and benefits of all school employees for full or partial day closures,
if the district or charter school counts that day as an instructional day for any students in
the district or charter school. School employees may be allowed to work from home to the
extent practicable. Paid leave for an e-learning day is provided under section 120A.414,
subdivision 6.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for the 2024-2025 school year and later.
new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.901, subdivision 1, is amended
to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given:

(1) "new position" means a student support services personnel full-time or part-time
position not under contract by a school district, charter school, or cooperative unit at the
start of the 2022-2023 school year;

(2) "part-time position" means a student support services personnel position less than
1.0 full-time equivalent at the start of the 2022-2023 school year;

(3) "American Rescue Plan Act" means the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021,
Public Law 117-2, that awarded funds; and

(4) "student support services personnel" means new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (i) new text end an individual licensed to serve as a school counselor, school psychologist, school
social worker, school nurse, or chemical dependency counselor in Minnesota new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (ii) an individual not included in item (i) whose work duties primarily consist of activities
that reduce chronic student absenteeism new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2025 and later.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.901, subdivision 2, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2.

Purpose.

The purpose of student support personnel aid is to:

(1) address shortages of student support services personnel within Minnesota schools;

(2) decrease caseloads for existing student support services personnel to ensure effective
services;

(3) ensure that students receive effective student support services and integrated and
comprehensive services to improve prekindergarten through grade 12 academic, physical,
social, and emotional outcomes supporting career and college readiness and effective school
mental health services;

(4) ensure that student support services personnel serve within the scope and practice
of their training and licensure;

(5) fully integrate learning supports, instruction, assessment, data-based decision making,
and family and community engagement within a comprehensive approach that facilitates
interdisciplinary collaboration; and

(6) improve student new text begin attendance, new text end health, school safety, and school climate to support
academic success and career and college readiness.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.901, subdivision 3, is amended
to read:

Subd. 3.

Student support personnel aid.

(a) The initial student support personnel aid
for a school district equals the greater of the student support personnel allowance times the
adjusted pupil units at the district for the current fiscal year or $40,000. The initial student
support personnel aid for a charter school equals the greater of the student support personnel
allowance times the adjusted pupil units at the charter school for the current fiscal year or
$20,000. new text begin Aid under this paragraph must be reserved in a fund balance that, beginning in
fiscal year 2025, may not exceed the greater of the aid entitlement in the prior fiscal year
or the fund balance in the prior fiscal year.
new text end

(b) The cooperative student support personnel aid for a school district that is a member
of an intermediate school district or other cooperative unit that serves students equals the
greater of the cooperative student support allowance times the adjusted pupil units at the
district for the current fiscal year or $40,000. If a district is a member of more than one
cooperative unit that serves students, the revenue must be allocated among the cooperative
units. new text begin Aid under this paragraph must not exceed actual expenditures.
new text end

(c) The student support personnel allowance equals $11.94 for fiscal year 2024, $17.08
for fiscal year 2025, and $48.73 for fiscal year 2026 and later.

(d) The cooperative student support allowance equals $0.60 for fiscal year 2024, $0.85
for fiscal year 2025, and $2.44 for fiscal year 2026 and later.

deleted text begin (e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), the student support personnel aid must not
exceed the district's, charter school's, or cooperative unit's actual expenditures.
deleted text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2024 and later.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 5, section 64, subdivision 3, as amended by Laws
2024, chapter 81, section 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Alternative teacher compensation aid.

(a) For alternative teacher compensation
aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.415, subdivision 4:

	$	deleted text begin $ deleted text end 88,706,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin $88,562,000 deleted text end new text begin 89,012,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) The 2024 appropriation includes $8,824,000 for fiscal year 2023 and $79,882,000
for fiscal year 2024.

(c) The 2025 appropriation includes $8,875,000 for fiscal year 2024 and deleted text begin $79,687,000 deleted text end new text begin
$80,137,000 new text end for fiscal year 2025.

Sec. 15.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 5, section 64, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Closing educational opportunity gaps grants.

(a) To support schools in their
efforts to close opportunity gaps under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.113:

	$	3,000,000	.....	2024
	$	3,000,000	.....	2025

(b) The department may retain up to five percent of this appropriation to administer the
grant program.

(c) The base for fiscal year 2026 and later is $0.

new text begin (d) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 16.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 5, section 64, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Statewide teacher mentoring program.

(a) For a statewide teacher induction
and mentoring program:

	$	9,940,000	.....	2024
	$	0	.....	2025

(b) Funds may be used for:

(1) competitive grants to Minnesota regional partners, including institutions of higher
education, regional service cooperatives, other district or charter collaboratives, and
professional organizations, to provide mentoring supports for new teachers, on-the-ground
training, technical assistance, and networks or communities of practice for local new teachers,
districts, and charter schools to implement Minnesota's induction model;

(2) competitive grants to school districts to fund deleted text begin Teacher of Record deleted text end mentorships to Tier
1 new text begin and Tier 2 new text end special education teachers, including training and supervision; and

(3) contracts with national content experts and research collaboratives to assist in
developing Minnesota's induction model, to provide ongoing training to mentors and
principals, and to evaluate the program over time.

(c) Up to five percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration.

(d) This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2027.

Sec. 17.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 5, section 64, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Student support personnel workforce pipeline.

(a) For a grant program to
develop a student support personnel workforce pipeline focused on increasing school
psychologists, school nurses, school counselors, and school social workers of color and
Indigenous providers, professional respecialization, recruitment, and retention:

	$	5,000,000	.....	2024
	$	5,000,000	.....	2025

(b) Of the amount in paragraph (a), $150,000 is for providing support to school nurses
across the state.

(c) To the extent practicable, the pipeline grants must be used to support equal numbers
of students pursuing careers as school psychologists, school nurses, school counselors, and
school social workers.

(d) For grants awarded under this subdivision to school psychologists, the following
terms have the meanings given:

(1) "eligible designated trainee" means an individual enrolled in a NASP-approved or
APA-accredited school psychology program granting educational specialist certificates or
doctoral degrees in school psychology;

(2) "practica" means an educational experience administered and evaluated by the
graduate training program, with university and site supervision by appropriately credentialed
school psychologists, to develop trainees' competencies to provide school psychological
services based on the graduate program's goals and competencies relative to accreditation
and licensure requirements; and

(3) "eligible employment" means a paid position within a school or local education
agency directly related to the training program providing direct or indirect school psychology
services. Direct services include assessment, intervention, prevention, or consultation services
to students or their family members and educational staff. Indirect services include
supervision, research and evaluation, administration, program development, technical
assistance, or professional learning to support direct services.

(e) Grants awarded to school psychologists must be used for:

(1) the provision of paid, supervised, and educationally meaningful practica in a public
school setting for an eligible designated trainee enrolled in a qualifying program within the
grantee's institution;

(2) to support student recruitment and retention to enroll and hire an eligible designated
trainee for paid practica in public school settings; and

(3) oversight of trainee practica and professional development by the qualifying institution
to ensure the qualifications and conduct by an eligible designated trainee meet requirements
set forth by the state and accrediting agencies.

(f) Upon successful completion of the graduate training program, grants awarded to
school psychologists must maintain eligible employment within Minnesota for a minimum
period of one-year full-time equivalent for each academic year of paid traineeship under
the grant program.

(g) Up to $150,000 of the appropriation is available for grant administration.

new text begin (h) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 18.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 5, section 64, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16.

Teacher residency program.

(a) For the teacher residency program that meets
the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 8705.2100, subpart 2, item D, subitem (5), unit
(g):

	$	3,000,000	.....	2024
	$	3,000,000	.....	2025

(b) Up to three percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration.

(c) Any balance new text begin in the first year new text end does not cancel but is available in the deleted text begin following fiscal deleted text end new text begin
second new text end year.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 19.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 5, section 65, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Collaborative urban and greater Minnesota educators of color grants.

(a)
For collaborative urban and greater Minnesota educators of color competitive grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.635:

	$	5,440,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 5,440,000 deleted text end new text begin 6,440,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) The board may retain up to $100,000 of the appropriation amount to monitor and
administer the grant program.

(c) Any balance new text begin in the first year new text end does not cancel but is available in the deleted text begin following fiscal deleted text end new text begin
second new text end year.

new text begin (d) The base for fiscal year 2026 and later is $5,440,000.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 20.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 5, section 65, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Mentoring, induction, and retention incentive program grants for teachers
of color.

(a) To develop and expand mentoring, induction, and retention programs designed
for teachers of color or American Indian teachers under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.70:

	$	3,500,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 3,500,000 deleted text end new text begin 8,500,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) Any balance new text begin in the first year new text end does not cancel but is available in the deleted text begin following fiscal deleted text end new text begin
second new text end year.

(c) The base for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.70, for fiscal year 2026
and later is $4,500,000, of which at least $3,500,000 each fiscal year is for grants to develop
and expand mentoring, induction, and retention programs designed for teachers of color or
American Indian teachers.

(d) The board may retain up to three percent of the appropriation amount to monitor and
administer the grant program.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 21.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 5, section 65, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Pathway preparation grants.

(a) For grants to support teachers holding a new text begin Tier
1 or new text end Tier 2 license and seeking a Tier 3 new text begin or Tier 4 new text end license:

	$	400,000	.....	2024
	$	400,000	.....	2025

(b) The following are eligible for grants under this subdivision:

(1) school districts;

(2) charter schools;

(3) service cooperatives; and

(4) partnerships between one or more teacher preparation providers, school districts, or
charter schools.

(c) Grant funds must be used to support teachers holding a new text begin Tier 1 or new text end Tier 2 license and
seeking a Tier 3 new text begin or Tier 4 new text end license through completion of a teacher preparation program or
the licensure via portfolio process. A grant recipient must provide teachers holding a new text begin Tier
1 or new text end Tier 2 license with professional development, mentorship, and coursework aligned to
state standards for teacher licensure.

(d) The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board may collaborate with the
Department of Education and the Office of Higher Education to administer the grant program.

(e) The board may retain up to three percent of the appropriation amount to monitor and
administer the grant.

Sec. 22. new text begin TEACHER AND PARAPROFESSIONAL COMPENSATION WORKING
GROUP.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The Teacher and Paraprofessional
Compensation Working Group is established and consists of the following 22 members:
new text end

new text begin (1) one prekindergarten teacher;
new text end

new text begin (2) one elementary school teacher;
new text end

new text begin (3) one middle school teacher;
new text end

new text begin (4) one high school teacher;
new text end

new text begin (5) one physical education teacher;
new text end

new text begin (6) one vocal music or instrumental music teacher;
new text end

new text begin (7) one visual arts teacher;
new text end

new text begin (8) one library media specialist;
new text end

new text begin (9) one community education teacher;
new text end

new text begin (10) one teacher teaching in an alternative setting;
new text end

new text begin (11) one member working in a school setting with children from birth to age three;
new text end

new text begin (12) one special education teacher;
new text end

new text begin (13) four paraprofessionals working with elementary, middle, or high school students;
new text end

new text begin (14) two superintendents;
new text end

new text begin (15) one community education director;
new text end

new text begin (16) two school finance directors; and
new text end

new text begin (17) one member with expertise in school board governance.
new text end

new text begin (b) The members under paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (13), must be appointed by the
Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. The members under paragraph (a),
clauses (14) to (16), must be appointed by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators.
The members under paragraph (a), clause (17), must be appointed by the Minnesota School
Boards Association. To the extent practicable, each appointing authority must appoint
members representing schools in regions across the state. All appointments must be made
no later than September 1, 2024.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties; report. new text end

new text begin (a) The working group is established to advise the legislature
on strategies and recommendations to provide competitive compensation to teachers and
paraprofessionals in Minnesota elementary, middle, and secondary schools.
new text end

new text begin (b) The working group must report its proposed strategies, recommendations, and draft
legislation to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over prekindergarten through
grade 12 education finance and policy by February 14, 2025. The report must be filed
according to Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195.
new text end

new text begin (c) At a minimum, the report must:
new text end

new text begin (1) analyze data on the professional pay gap for Minnesota teachers;
new text end

new text begin (2) provide historical analysis on pay trends for Minnesota teachers;
new text end

new text begin (3) examine historical trends in total compensation for Minnesota teachers, including
wages and salary, health insurance and other benefits, and pension benefits;
new text end

new text begin (4) examine historical trends in the tuition and opportunity costs of teacher preparation
and student debt burdens; and
new text end

new text begin (5) collect and analyze data on the workloads and compensation of Minnesota education
support professionals.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Meetings; compensation. new text end

new text begin (a) The working group must convene its initial
meeting no later than September 15, 2024, and must meet regularly thereafter.
new text end

new text begin (b) Members of the working group are eligible for per diem compensation as provided
under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Administrative provisions. new text end

new text begin (a) The executive director of the Professional
Educator Licensing and Standards Board or the executive director's designee must convene
the initial meeting of the working group. Upon request of the working group, the executive
director must provide meeting space and administrative services for the group. The members
of the working group must elect a chair or cochairs from the members of the working group
at the initial meeting.
new text end

new text begin (b) Upon request of the working group, the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards
Board must provide information necessary for the working group to make its
recommendations, including but not limited to information on teacher and paraprofessional
qualifications, licensure, employment, assignment, and compensation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin The working group expires February 14, 2025, or upon submission
of the report required under subdivision 2, whichever is earlier.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 23. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. new text end

new text begin The sum
indicated in this section is appropriated from the general fund to the Professional Educator
Licensing and Standards Board for the fiscal year designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Teacher and paraprofessional compensation working group. new text end

new text begin (a) For
administration and per diem compensation for members of the teacher and paraprofessional
compensation working group:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 150,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

ARTICLE 5

CHARTER SCHOOLS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124E.13, subdivision 1, is amended
to read:

Subdivision 1.

Leased space.

A charter school may lease space from: an independent
or special school board; other public organization; private, nonprofit, nonsectarian
organization; private property owner; or a sectarian organization if the leased space is
constructed as a school facility. In all cases, the eligible lessor must also be the building
owner. The commissioner must review and approve or disapprove deleted text begin leases deleted text end new text begin lease aid
applications new text end in a timely manner to determine eligibility for lease aid under section 124E.22.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124E.22, is amended to read:

124E.22 BUILDING LEASE AID.

(a) When a charter school finds it economically advantageous to rent or lease a building
or land for any instructional purpose and it determines that the total operating capital revenue
under section 126C.10, subdivision 13, is insufficient for this purpose, it may apply to the
commissioner for building lease aid new text begin in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner new text end .
The commissioner must review and either approve or deny a lease aid application using new text begin at
least new text end the following criteria:

(1) the reasonableness of the price based on current market values;

(2) the extent to which the lease conforms to applicable state laws and rules; and

(3) the appropriateness of the proposed lease in the context of the space needs and
financial circumstances of the charter school. The commissioner must approve aid only for
a facility lease that has (i) a sum certain annual cost and (ii) a closure clause to relieve the
charter school of its lease obligations at the time the charter contract is terminated or not
renewed. The closure clause under item (ii) must not be constructed or construed to relieve
the charter school of its lease obligations in effect before the charter contract is terminated
or not renewed.

(b) A charter school must not use the building lease aid it receives for custodial,
maintenance service, utility, or other operating costs.

(c) The amount of annual building lease aid for a charter school shall not exceed the
lesser of (1) 90 percent of the approved cost or (2) the product of the charter school building
lease aid pupil units served for the current school year times $1,314.

(d) A charter school's building lease aid pupil units equals the sum of the charter school
pupil units under section 126C.05 and the pupil units for the portion of the day that the
charter school's enrolled students are participating in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options
Act under section 124D.09 and not otherwise included in the pupil count under section
126C.05.

Sec. 3.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 2, section 64, subdivision 6, as amended by Laws
2024, chapter 81, section 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Charter school building lease aid.

(a) For building lease aid under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124E.22:

	$	91,457,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 94,578,000 deleted text end new text begin 94,906,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) The 2024 appropriation includes $9,047,000 for 2023 and $82,410,000 for 2024.

(c) The 2025 appropriation includes $9,156,000 for 2024 and deleted text begin $85,422,000 deleted text end new text begin $85,750,000 new text end
for 2025.

Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sum indicated in this section is
appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal year
designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Safe schools supplemental aid for charter schools. new text end

new text begin (a) For safe schools
supplemental aid for charter schools:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 3,000,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) Safe schools supplemental aid for a charter school equals the product of:
new text end

new text begin (1) the amount appropriated under paragraph (a); and
new text end

new text begin (2) the ratio of (i) the charter school's student enrollment on October 1, 2024, to (ii) the
student enrollment on October 1, 2024, for all charter schools in the state.
new text end

new text begin (c) Safe schools supplemental aid must be reserved and used only for costs associated
with safe schools activities authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.44, subdivision
4, or building lease expenses not funded by building lease aid that are attributable to facility
security enhancements made by the landlord after March 1, 2024.
new text end

new text begin (d) One hundred percent of the aid under this subdivision must be paid in fiscal year
2025 on a schedule to be determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (e) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

ARTICLE 6

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 256B.0625, subdivision 26, is
amended to read:

Subd. 26.

Special education services.

(a) Medical assistance covers evaluations necessary
in making a determination for eligibility for individualized education program and
individualized family service plan services and for medical services identified in a recipient's
individualized education program and individualized family service plan and covered under
the medical assistance state plan. Covered services include occupational therapy, physical
therapy, speech-language therapy, clinical psychological services, nursing services, school
psychological services, school social work services, personal care assistants serving as
management aides, assistive technology devices, transportation services, health assessments,
and other services covered under the medical assistance state plan. Mental health services
eligible for medical assistance reimbursement must be provided or coordinated through a
children's mental health collaborative where a collaborative exists if the child is included
in the collaborative operational target population. The provision or coordination of services
does not require that the individualized education program be developed by the collaborative.

The services may be provided by a Minnesota school district that is enrolled as a medical
assistance provider or its subcontractor, and only if the services meet all the requirements
otherwise applicable if the service had been provided by a provider other than a school
district, in the following areas: medical necessity; physician's, advanced practice registered
nurse's, or physician assistant's orders; documentation; personnel qualifications; and prior
authorization requirements. The nonfederal share of costs for services provided under this
subdivision is the responsibility of the local school district as provided in section 125A.74.
Services listed in a child's individualized education program are eligible for medical
assistance reimbursement only if those services meet criteria for federal financial participation
under the Medicaid program.

(b) Approval of health-related services for inclusion in the individualized education
program does not require prior authorization for purposes of reimbursement under this
chapter. The commissioner may require physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or
physician assistant review and approval of the plan not more than once annually or upon
any modification of the individualized education program that reflects a change in
health-related services.

(c) Services of a speech-language pathologist provided under this section are covered
notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0390, subpart 1, item L, if the person:

(1) holds a masters degree in speech-language pathology;

(2) is licensed by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board as an
educational speech-language pathologist; and

(3) either has a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech and Hearing
Association, has completed the equivalent educational requirements and work experience
necessary for the certificate or has completed the academic program and is acquiring
supervised work experience to qualify for the certificate.

(d) Medical assistance coverage for medically necessary services provided under other
subdivisions in this section may not be denied solely on the basis that the same or similar
services are covered under this subdivision.

(e) The commissioner shall develop and implement package rates, bundled rates, or per
diem rates for special education services under which separately covered services are grouped
together and billed as a unit in order to reduce administrative complexity.

(f) The commissioner shall develop a cost-based payment structure for payment of these
services. Only costs reported through the designated Minnesota Department of Education
data systems in distinct service categories qualify for inclusion in the cost-based payment
structure. The commissioner shall reimburse claims submitted based on an interim rate, and
shall settle at a final rate once the department has determined it. The commissioner shall
notify the school district of the final rate. The school district has 60 days to appeal the final
rate. To appeal the final rate, the school district shall file a written appeal request to the
commissioner within 60 days of the date the final rate determination was mailed. The appeal
request shall specify (1) the disputed items and (2) the name and address of the person to
contact regarding the appeal.

(g) Effective July 1, 2000, medical assistance services provided under an individualized
education program or an individual family service plan by local school districts shall not
count against medical assistance authorization thresholds for that child.

(h) Nursing services as defined in section 148.171, subdivision 15, and provided as an
individualized education program health-related service, are eligible for medical assistance
payment if they are otherwise a covered service under the medical assistance program.
Medical assistance covers the administration of prescription medications by a licensed nurse
who is employed by or under contract with a school district when the administration of
medications is identified in the child's individualized education program. The simple
administration of medications alone is not covered under medical assistance when
administered by a provider other than a school district or when it is not identified in the
child's individualized education program.

(i) deleted text begin School social work deleted text end Services new text begin provided by a school social worker as described in
paragraph (l) must be new text end provided by a mental health professional as defined in section 245I.04,
subdivision 2; a clinical trainee as defined in section 245I.04, subdivision 6, under the
supervision of a mental health professional; or a mental health practitioner as defined in
section 245I.04, subdivision 4, under the supervision of a mental health professional, deleted text begin are deleted text end new text begin
to be new text end eligible for medical assistance deleted text begin payment. A mental health practitioner performing
school social work services under this section must provide services within the mental health
practitioner's licensure scope of practice, if applicable, and within the mental health
practitioner scope of practice under section 245I.04, subdivision 5 deleted text end new text begin reimbursement new text end . new text begin Services
described in paragraph (l) must be provided within the provider's scope of practice as defined
in section 245I.04, subdivisions 3, 5, and 7.
new text end

(j) Notwithstanding section 245I.10, subdivision 2, a special education evaluation deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin and
assessment for and within an individual family service plan or new text end individualized education
program deleted text begin , or individual family service plan deleted text end may be used to determine medical necessity deleted text begin and
eligibility for school social work services under paragraph (i) instead of a diagnostic
assessment deleted text end new text begin for services described under paragraph (l) new text end . new text begin The special education evaluation and
assessments for and within the individualized education program, or individual family
service plan, that meet the requirements in section 245I.10, subdivision 4 and subdivision
5 or 6, and that is completed by a licensed mental health professional or clinical trainee
supervised by a licensed mental health professional can be used for determining medical
necessity. In addition, for services that do not require a diagnosis using an assessment as
defined in section 245I.10, subdivision 4 and subdivision 5 or 6, the special education
evaluation and assessments for and within the individualized education program, or individual
family service plan, that provide an International Classification of Diseases diagnostic code
and are completed by a licensed mental health professional or clinical trainee supervised
by a licensed mental health professional can be used for determining medical necessity.
new text end

(k) A school social worker or school providing deleted text begin mental health deleted text end services under paragraph
deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (l) new text end is not required to be certified to provide children's therapeutic services and supports
under section 256B.0943.

(l) Covered deleted text begin mental health deleted text end services provided by a school social worker under new text begin this
new text end paragraph deleted text begin (i) deleted text end include deleted text begin but are not limited to deleted text end :

deleted text begin (1) administering and reporting standardized measures;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) care coordination;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) children's mental health crisis assistance, planning, and response services;
deleted text end

new text begin (1) the explanation of findings as described in section 256B.0671, subdivision 4;
new text end

new text begin (2) psychotherapy for crisis as described in section 256B.0671, subdivision 14;
new text end

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end children's mental health clinical care consultation new text begin , as described in section
256B.0671, subdivision 7 new text end ;

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end dialectical behavioral therapy for adolescents new text begin , as described in section 256B.0671,
subdivision 6 new text end ;

deleted text begin (6) direction of mental health behavioral aides;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end family psychoeducation new text begin , as described in section 256B.0671, subdivision 5 new text end ; new text begin and
new text end

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end individual, family, and group psychotherapy deleted text begin ; deleted text end new text begin , as described in section 256B.0671,
subdivision 11.
new text end

deleted text begin (9) mental health behavioral aide services;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (10) skills training; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (11) treatment plan development and review.
deleted text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2024, or upon federal approval,
whichever is later.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 256B.0671, is amended by adding
a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Psychotherapy for crisis. new text end

new text begin (a) Medical assistance covers psychotherapy for
crisis when a recipient is in need of an immediate response due to an increase of mental
illness symptoms that put them at risk of one of the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) experiencing a life threatening mental health crisis;
new text end

new text begin (2) needing a higher level of care;
new text end

new text begin (3) worsening symptoms without mental health intervention;
new text end

new text begin (4) harm to self, others, or property damage; or
new text end

new text begin (5) significant disruption of functioning in at least one life area.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Psychotherapy for crisis" means a treatment of client to reduce their mental health
crisis through immediate assessment and psychotherapeutic interventions. It must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) emergency assessment of the crisis situation;
new text end

new text begin (2) mental status exam;
new text end

new text begin (3) psychotherapeutic interventions to reduce the crisis; and
new text end

new text begin (4) development of a post-crisis plan that addresses the recipient's coping skills and
community resources.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 7, section 18, subdivision 4, as amended by Laws
2024, chapter 81, section 18, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Special education; regular.

(a) For special education aid under Minnesota
Statutes, section 125A.75:

	$	2,288,826,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 2,485,140,000 deleted text end new text begin 2,486,181,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) The 2024 appropriation includes $229,860,000 for 2023 and $2,058,966,000 for
2024.

(c) The 2025 appropriation includes $289,842,000 for 2024 and deleted text begin $2,195,298,000 deleted text end new text begin
$2,196,339,000 new text end for 2025.

Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sum indicated in this section is
appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education in the fiscal year
designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Special education apprenticeship programs. new text end

new text begin (a) For grants to intermediate
school districts for special education registered apprenticeship programs:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,030,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) The department must award grants of $250,000 each to Intermediate School Districts
Nos. 287, 288, 916, and 917. The grant funds must be used for special education registered
apprenticeship programs. Grant funds may be used for:
new text end

new text begin (1) program oversight and administrative costs of the intermediate school district and
its partner higher education institution;
new text end

new text begin (2) stipends and tuition, fees, and other direct program costs incurred by apprentices;
new text end

new text begin (3) stipends for teachers serving as mentors; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the cost of substitute teachers.
new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, up to $30,000
of the appropriation is available for grant administration.
new text end

new text begin (d) This appropriation does not cancel but is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (e) This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

ARTICLE 7

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.018, subdivision 6, is
amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Required standard.

"Required standard" means deleted text begin (1) deleted text end a statewide adopted
expectation for student learning in the content areas of language arts, mathematics, science,
social studies, physical education, new text begin health, new text end and the arts deleted text begin , and (2) a locally adopted expectation
for student learning in health deleted text end .

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.021, subdivision 1, is amended
to read:

Subdivision 1.

Required academic standards.

(a) The following subject areas are
required for statewide accountability:

(1) language arts;

(2) mathematics, encompassing algebra II, integrated mathematics III, or an equivalent
in high school, and to be prepared for the three credits of mathematics in grades 9 through
12, the grade 8 standards include completion of algebra;

(3) science, including earth and space science, life science, and the physical sciences,
including chemistry and physics;

(4) social studies, including history, geography, economics, and government and
citizenship that includes civics;

(5) physical education;

(6) health deleted text begin , for which locally developed academic standards apply deleted text end ; and

(7) the arts. Public elementary and middle schools must offer at least three and require
at least two of the following five arts areas: dance; media arts; music; theater; and visual
arts. Public high schools must offer at least three and require at least one of the following
five arts areas: media arts; dance; music; theater; and visual arts.

(b) For purposes of applicable federal law, the academic standards for language arts,
mathematics, and science apply to all public school students, except the very few students
with extreme cognitive or physical impairments for whom an individualized education
program team has determined that the required academic standards are inappropriate. An
individualized education program team that makes this determination must establish
alternative standards.

(c) The department may modify SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical
Educators) standards and adapt the national standards to accommodate state interest. The
modification and adaptations must maintain the purpose and integrity of the national
standards. The department must make available sample assessments, which school districts
may use as an alternative to local assessments, to assess students' mastery of the physical
education standards beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.

(d) A school district may include child sexual abuse prevention instruction in a health
curriculum, consistent with paragraph (a), clause (6). Child sexual abuse prevention
instruction may include age-appropriate instruction on recognizing sexual abuse and assault,
boundary violations, and ways offenders groom or desensitize victims, as well as strategies
to promote disclosure, reduce self-blame, and mobilize bystanders. A school district may
provide instruction under this paragraph in a variety of ways, including at an annual assembly
or classroom presentation. A school district may also provide parents information on the
warning signs of child sexual abuse and available resources.

(e) District efforts to develop, implement, or improve instruction or curriculum as a
result of the provisions of this section must be consistent with sections 120B.10, 120B.11,
and 120B.20.

new text begin (f) Locally developed academic standards in health apply until the end of the 2025-2026
school year, or until the commissioner adopts statewide rules implementing statewide health
standards under subdivision 3, whichever occurs later.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.021, subdivision 2, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2.

Standards development.

(a) The commissioner must consider advice from at
least the following stakeholders in developing statewide rigorous core academic standards
in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, including history, geography,
economics, government and citizenship, new text begin health, new text end and the arts:

(1) parents of school-age children and members of the public throughout the state;

(2) teachers throughout the state currently licensed and providing instruction in language
arts, mathematics, science, social studies, new text begin health, new text end or the arts and licensed elementary and
secondary school principals throughout the state currently administering a school site;

(3) currently serving members of local school boards and charter school boards throughout
the state;

(4) faculty teaching core subjects at postsecondary institutions in Minnesota;

(5) representatives of the Minnesota business community; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(6) representatives from the Tribal Nations Education Committee and Tribal Nations
and communities in Minnesota, including both Anishinaabe and Dakota deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (7) current students, with input from the Minnesota Youth Council.
new text end

(b) Academic standards must:

(1) be clear, concise, objective, measurable, and grade-level appropriate;

(2) not require a specific teaching methodology or curriculum; and

(3) be consistent with the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Minnesota.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.021, subdivision 3, is amended
to read:

Subd. 3.

Rulemaking.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner, consistent with the requirements of this
section and section 120B.022, must adopt statewide rules under section 14.389 for
implementing statewide rigorous core academic standards in language arts, mathematics,
science, social studies, physical education, and the arts.

new text begin (b) The commissioner must adopt statewide rules for implementing statewide rigorous
core academic standards in health.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.021, subdivision 4, is amended
to read:

Subd. 4.

Revisions and reviews required.

(a) The commissioner of education must
revise the state's academic standards and graduation requirements and implement a ten-year
cycle to review and, consistent with the review, revise state academic standards and related
benchmarks, consistent with this subdivision. During each ten-year review and revision
cycle, the commissioner also must examine the alignment of each required academic standard
and related benchmark with the knowledge and skills students need for career and college
readiness and advanced work in the particular subject area. The commissioner must include
the contributions of Minnesota American Indian Tribes and communities, including urban
Indigenous communities, as related to the academic standards during the review and revision
of the required academic standards. The commissioner must embed Indigenous education
for all students consistent with recommendations from Tribal Nations and urban Indigenous
communities in Minnesota regarding the contributions of American Indian Tribes and
communities in Minnesota into the state's academic standards during the review and revision
of the required academic standards. The recommendations to embed Indigenous education
for all students includes but is not limited to American Indian experiences in Minnesota,
including Tribal histories, Indigenous languages, sovereignty issues, cultures, treaty rights,
governments, socioeconomic experiences, contemporary issues, and current events.

(b) The commissioner must ensure that the statewide mathematics assessments
administered to students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 are aligned with the state academic
standards in mathematics, consistent with section 120B.302, subdivision 3, paragraph (a).
The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related
benchmarks in mathematics beginning in the 2021-2022 school year and every ten years
thereafter.

(c) The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related
benchmarks in arts beginning in the 2017-2018 school year and every ten years thereafter.

(d) The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related
benchmarks in science beginning in the 2018-2019 school year and every ten years thereafter.

(e) The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related
benchmarks in language arts beginning in the 2019-2020 school year and every ten years
thereafter.

(f) The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related
benchmarks in social studies beginning in the 2020-2021 school year and every ten years
thereafter.

(g) The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related
benchmarks in physical education beginning in the 2026-2027 school year and every ten
years thereafter.

new text begin (h) The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related
benchmarks in health education beginning in the 2034-2035 school year and every ten years
thereafter.
new text end

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end School districts and charter schools must revise and align local academic standards
and high school graduation requirements in deleted text begin health, deleted text end world languages deleted text begin , deleted text end and career and technical
education to require students to complete the revised standards beginning in a school year
determined by the school district or charter school. School districts and charter schools must
formally establish a periodic review cycle for the academic standards and related benchmarks
in deleted text begin health, deleted text end world languages deleted text begin , deleted text end and career and technical education.

deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end The commissioner of education must embed technology and information literacy
standards consistent with recommendations from school media specialists into the state's
academic standards and graduation requirements.

deleted text begin (j) deleted text end new text begin (k) new text end The commissioner of education must embed ethnic studies as related to the
academic standards during the review and revision of the required academic standards.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.024, subdivision 1, is amended
to read:

Subdivision 1.

Graduation requirements.

(a) Students must successfully complete the
following high school level credits for graduation:

(1) four credits of language arts sufficient to satisfy all of the academic standards in
English language arts;

(2) three credits of mathematics sufficient to satisfy all of the academic standards in
mathematics;

(3) three credits of science, including one credit to satisfy all the earth and space science
standards for grades 9 through 12, one credit to satisfy all the life science standards for
grades 9 through 12, and one credit to satisfy all the chemistry or physics standards for
grades 9 through 12;

(4) three and one-half credits of social studies, including credit for a course in government
and citizenship in either grade 11 or 12 for students beginning grade 9 in the 2024-2025
school year and later or an advanced placement, international baccalaureate, or other rigorous
course on government and citizenship under section 120B.021, subdivision 1a, and a
combination of other credits encompassing at least United States history, geography,
government and citizenship, world history, and economics sufficient to satisfy all of the
academic standards in social studies;

(5) one credit of the arts sufficient to satisfy all of the academic standards in the arts;

(6) credits sufficient to satisfy the state standards in physical education; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

new text begin (7) credits sufficient to satisfy the state standards in health upon adoption of statewide
rules for implementing health standards under section 120B.021; and
new text end

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (8) new text end a minimum of seven elective credits.

(b) Students who begin grade 9 in the 2024-2025 school year and later must successfully
complete a course for credit in personal finance in grade 10, 11, or 12. A teacher of a personal
finance course that satisfies the graduation requirement must have a field license or
out-of-field permission in agricultural education, business, family and consumer science,
social studies, or math.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 121A.035, is amended to read:

121A.035 CRISIS MANAGEMENT POLICY.

Subdivision 1.

Model policy.

The commissioner shall maintain and make available to
school boards and charter schools a model crisis management policy that includes, among
other items, new text begin cardiac emergency response plans, new text end school lock-down and tornado drills,
consistent with subdivision 2, and school fire drills under section 299F.30.

Subd. 2.

School district and charter school policy.

A school board and a charter school
must adopt a crisis management policy to address potential violent crisis situations in the
district or charter school. The policy must be developed cooperatively with administrators,
teachers, employees, students, parents, community members, law enforcement agencies,
other emergency management officials, county attorney offices, social service agencies,
emergency medical responders, and any other appropriate individuals or organizations. The
policy must include at least deleted text begin five deleted text end new text begin three new text end school lock-down drills, five school fire drills consistent
with section 299F.30, deleted text begin and deleted text end one tornado drill new text begin , and one cardiac emergency response drill
consistent with section 121A.241. An active shooter drill conducted according to the criteria
established in section 121A.038, subdivision 2, is equivalent to a school lock-down drill new text end .

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 121A.037, is amended to read:

121A.037 SCHOOL SAFETY DRILLS.

Private schools and educational institutions not subject to section 121A.035 must have
at least deleted text begin five deleted text end new text begin three new text end school lock-down drills, five school fire drills consistent with section
299F.30, deleted text begin and deleted text end one tornado drill new text begin , and one cardiac emergency response drill consistent with
section 121A.241. An active shooter drill conducted according to the criteria established in
section 121A.038, subdivision 2, is equivalent to a school lock-down drill new text end .

Sec. 9.

new text begin [121A.241] CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Cardiac emergency response plan. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, a
"cardiac emergency response plan" is a written document that establishes specific steps to
reduce death from cardiac arrest. A cardiac emergency response plan must integrate
evidence-based core elements, such as those recommended by the American Heart
Association in accordance with a published, peer-reviewed journal article or similar
document.
new text end

new text begin (b) Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, a school district or charter school must
develop a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the appropriate use of school
personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest
or a similar life-threatening emergency while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored
activity or event. A district or charter school must consult with athletic trainers when
developing the plan. A principal or other person having administrative control over the
school site must ensure that the plan is:
new text end

new text begin (1) available to the school community on the school website and in paper form at various
locations at the school site;
new text end

new text begin (2) distributed to all coaches and other athletic staff members at each school site, all
persons responsible for executing the plan in the event of a cardiac emergency, all health
care professionals that provide medical services during school-sponsored activities or events,
and to other appropriate school staff, as determined by school administrators; and
new text end

new text begin (3) annually reviewed, rehearsed, and revised, as necessary.
new text end

new text begin (c) A cardiac emergency response plan must:
new text end

new text begin (1) identify the members of a cardiac emergency response team at each school site who
are on duty during the regular school day and while extracurricular activities are conducted
at the school site;
new text end

new text begin (2) provide guidelines for the cardiac emergency response team's response to sudden
cardiac arrest;
new text end

new text begin (3) require that automatic external defibrillators are available for use within close
proximity to the site of a school-sponsored activity or event; identify where automatic
external defibrillators are located at the school site, in accordance with guidelines from the
American Heart Association or other nationally recognized guidelines focused on emergency
cardiovascular care; and identify the maintenance schedule for the automatic external
defibrillators;
new text end

new text begin (4) require training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator
use for coaches, assistant coaches, and other school staff identified by school administrators;
new text end

new text begin (5) require the emergency response team to participate in a cardiac emergency simulation
at least 30 days before the beginning of each school year;
new text end

new text begin (6) describe the procedures that must be followed after a serious or life-threatening injury
or cardiac emergency occurs at a school-sponsored event or activity, including but not
limited to responding to the injured individual, summoning emergency medical care, assisting
emergency medical service providers, and documenting the actions taken during the
emergency;
new text end

new text begin (7) encourage cooperation and coordination with community members such as emergency
medical technicians and paramedics, among others; and
new text end

new text begin (8) integrate an emergency action plan that was developed by health care personnel and
is currently in place.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Training requirements. new text end

new text begin A school district or charter school must provide all
members of a cardiac emergency response team with training necessary to implement a
cardiac emergency response plan.
new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARDS; RULEMAKING.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of education must begin the rulemaking process to adopt statewide
academic standards in health in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14 and section
120B.021. The commissioner must consult with the commissioner of health and the
commissioner of human services in developing the proposed rules. The rules must include
at least the expectations for learning listed in paragraph (b), but may consider expectations
in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The standards must include expectations for learning in the following areas:
new text end

new text begin (1) mental health education in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.21;
new text end

new text begin (2) cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic defibrillator education that allows
districts to include instruction for grades 7 through 12 that meets the requirements of
Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.236;
new text end

new text begin (3) vaping awareness and prevention education that allows districts to include instruction
for grades 6 through 8 that meets the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.238;
new text end

new text begin (4) cannabis use and substance use education that allows districts to include instruction
for grades 6 through 12 that meets the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.215;
and
new text end

new text begin (5) sexually transmitted infections and diseases education that meets the requirements
of Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.23.
new text end

new text begin (c) The standards may include the following optional expectations for learning:
new text end

new text begin (1) child sexual abuse prevention education in accordance with Minnesota Statutes,
sections 120B.021, subdivision 1, paragraph (d); and 120B.234;
new text end

new text begin (2) violence prevention education in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section
120B.22;
new text end

new text begin (3) character development education in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section
120B.232; and
new text end

new text begin (4) safe and supportive schools education in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section
121A.031, subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 11. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sums indicated in this section are
appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education in the fiscal years
designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Rulemaking. new text end

new text begin (a) For rulemaking related to health education standards:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 132,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) This is a onetime appropriation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Cardiac emergency response plan assistance. new text end

new text begin (a) To reimburse school districts
and charter schools for costs related to implementing cardiac emergency response plans
under Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.241:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,000,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) To receive reimbursement, a school district or charter school must apply in the form
and manner determined by the commissioner. The commissioner must provide reimbursement
for expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2024, for activities and equipment that promote
cardiac emergency response plan preparedness in schools, including but not limited to the
purchase and maintenance of automatic external defibrillators, purchase of cardiopulmonary
resuscitation equipment and training for faculty and staff, basic first aid training, and
educational materials related to cardiac emergency response preparedness. If the appropriation
is insufficient, the commissioner must prorate the amount paid to districts seeking
reimbursement.
new text end

new text begin (c) This is a onetime appropriation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

ARTICLE 8

FACILITIES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 123B.71, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Review and comment.

A school district, a special education cooperative, or
a cooperative unit of government, as defined in section 123A.24, subdivision 2, must not
deleted text begin initiate deleted text end new text begin enter into new text end an installment contract for purchase or a lease agreement, hold a referendum
for bonds, nor solicit bids for new construction, expansion, or remodeling of an educational
facility that requires an expenditure in excess of $500,000 per school site if it has a capital
loan outstanding, or $2,000,000 per school site if it does not have a capital loan outstanding,
prior to review and comment by the commissioner. deleted text begin A facility addition, maintenance project,
or remodeling project deleted text end new text begin New construction, expansion, or remodeling of an educational facility new text end
funded only with general education revenue, lease levy proceeds new text begin from an additional capital
expenditure levy under section 126C.40, subdivision 1 new text end , capital facilities bond proceeds, or
long-term facilities maintenance revenue is exempt from this provision. A capital project
under section 123B.63 addressing only technology is exempt from this provision if the
district submits a school board resolution stating that funds approved by the voters will be
used only as authorized in section 126C.10, subdivision 14. A school board shall not separate
portions of a single project into components to avoid the requirements of this subdivision.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 123B.71, subdivision 12, is amended
to read:

Subd. 12.

Publication.

(a) At least 48 days but not more than deleted text begin 60 deleted text end new text begin 88 new text end days before a
referendum for bonds new text begin under chapter 475 new text end or solicitation of bids for a project that has received
a positive or unfavorable review and comment under section 123B.70, the school board
shall publish a summary of the commissioner's review and comment of that project in the
legal newspaper of the district. The school board must hold a public meeting to discuss the
commissioner's review and comment before deleted text begin the deleted text end new text begin such a new text end referendum for bonds. Supplementary
information shall be available to the public. new text begin Where no such referendum for bonds is required,
the publication and public meeting requirements of this subdivision shall not apply.
new text end

(b) The publication requirement in paragraph (a) does not apply to alternative facilities
projects approved under section 123B.595.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 126C.40, subdivision 6, is amended
to read:

Subd. 6.

Lease purchase; installment buys.

(a) Upon application to, and approval by,
the commissioner in accordance with the procedures and limits in subdivision 1, paragraphs
(a) and (b), a district, as defined in this subdivision, may:

(1) purchase real or personal property under an installment contract or may lease real
or personal property with an option to purchase under a lease purchase agreement, by which
installment contract or lease purchase agreement title is kept by the seller or vendor or
assigned to a third party as security for the purchase price, including interest, if any; and

(2) annually levy the amounts necessary to pay the district's obligations under the
installment contract or lease purchase agreement.

(b) The obligation created by the installment contract or the lease purchase agreement
must not be included in the calculation of net debt for purposes of section 475.53, and does
not constitute debt under other law. An election is not required in connection with the
execution of the installment contract or the lease purchase agreement.

(c) The proceeds of the levy authorized by this subdivision must not be used to acquire
a facility to be primarily used for athletic or school administration purposes.

(d) For the purposes of this subdivision, "district" means:

(1) Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis, Independent School District No. 625,
St. Paul, Independent School District No. 709, Duluth, or Independent School District No.
535, Rochester, if the district's desegregation plan has been determined by the commissioner
to be in compliance with Department of Education rules relating to equality of educational
opportunity and where the acquisition of property under this subdivision is determined by
the commissioner to contribute to the implementation of the desegregation plan; or

(2) other districts eligible for revenue under section 124D.862 if the facility acquired
under this subdivision is to be primarily used for a joint program for interdistrict
desegregation and the commissioner determines that the joint programs are being undertaken
to implement the districts' desegregation plan.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivision 1, the prohibition against a levy by a district to lease
or rent a district-owned building to itself does not apply to levies otherwise authorized by
this subdivision.

(f) For the purposes of this subdivision, any references in subdivision 1 to building or
land shall include personal property.

(g) Projects funded under this subdivision new text begin that require an expenditure in excess of
$500,000 per school site if the school district has a capital loan outstanding, or $2,000,000
per school site if the school district does not have a capital loan outstanding, new text end are subject to
review and comment under section 123B.71, subdivision 8, in the same manner as other
school construction projects.

Sec. 4.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 8, section 19, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Grants for gender-neutral single-user restrooms.

(a) For grants to school
districts for remodeling, constructing, or repurposing space for gender-neutral single-user
restrooms:

	$	1,000,000	.....	2024
	$	1,000,000	.....	2025

(b) A school district or a cooperative unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 123A.24,
subdivision 2, may apply for a grant of not more than $75,000 per site under this subdivision
in the form and manner specified by the commissioner. The commissioner must award at
least one grant under this subdivision to Independent School District No. 709, Duluth, for
a demonstration grant for a project awaiting construction.

(c) The commissioner must ensure that grants are awarded to schools to reflect the
geographic diversity of the state.

(d) Up to $75,000 each year is available for grant administration and monitoring.

(e) By February 1 of each year, the commissioner must annually report to the committees
of the legislature with jurisdiction over education on the number of grants that were awarded
each year and the number of grant applications that were unfunded during that year.

new text begin (f) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 8, section 19, subdivision 6, as amended by Laws
2024, chapter 81, section 22, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Long-term facilities maintenance equalized aid.

(a) For long-term facilities
maintenance equalized aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.595, subdivision 9:

	$	107,905,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 107,630,000 deleted text end new text begin 107,865,000 new text end	.....	2025

(b) The 2024 appropriation includes $10,821,000 for 2023 and $97,084,000 for 2024.

(c) The 2025 appropriation includes $10,787,000 for 2024 and deleted text begin $96,843,000 deleted text end new text begin $97,078,000 new text end
for 2025.

ARTICLE 9

NUTRITION AND LIBRARIES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.111, subdivision 3, is
amended to read:

Subd. 3.

School food service fund.

(a) The expenses described in this subdivision must
be recorded as provided in this subdivision.

(b) In each district, the expenses for a school food service program for pupils must be
attributed to a school food service fund. Under a food service program, the school food
service may prepare or serve milk, meals, or snacks in connection with school or community
service activities.

(c) Revenues and expenditures for food service activities must be recorded in the food
service fund. The costs of processing applications, accounting for meals, preparing and
serving food, providing kitchen custodial services, and other expenses involving the preparing
of meals or the kitchen section of the lunchroom may be charged to the food service fund
or to the general fund of the district. The costs of lunchroom supervision, lunchroom custodial
services, lunchroom utilities, new text begin lunchroom furniture, new text end and other administrative costs of the
food service program must be charged to the general fund.

That portion of superintendent and fiscal manager costs that can be documented as
attributable to the food service program may be charged to the food service fund provided
that the school district does not employ or contract with a food service director or other
individual who manages the food service program, or food service management company.
If the cost of the superintendent or fiscal manager is charged to the food service fund, the
charge must be at a wage rate not to exceed the statewide average for food service directors
as determined by the department.

(d) Capital expenditures for the purchase of food service equipment must be made from
the general fund and not the food service fund, unless the restricted balance in the food
service fund at the end of the last fiscal year is greater than the cost of the equipment to be
purchased.

(e) If the condition set out in paragraph (d) applies, the equipment may be purchased
from the food service fund.

(f) If a deficit in the food service fund exists at the end of a fiscal year, and the deficit
is not eliminated by revenues from food service operations in the next fiscal year, then the
deficit must be eliminated by a permanent fund transfer from the general fund at the end of
that second fiscal year. However, if a district contracts with a food service management
company during the period in which the deficit has accrued, the deficit must be eliminated
by a payment from the food service management company.

(g) Notwithstanding paragraph (f), a district may incur a deficit in the food service fund
for up to three years without making the permanent transfer if the district submits to the
commissioner by January 1 of the second fiscal year a plan for eliminating that deficit at
the end of the third fiscal year.

(h) If a surplus in the food service fund exists at the end of a fiscal year for three
successive years, a district may recode for that fiscal year the costs of lunchroom supervision,
lunchroom custodial services, lunchroom utilities, new text begin lunchroom furniture, new text end and other
administrative costs of the food service program charged to the general fund according to
paragraph (c) and charge those costs to the food service fund in a total amount not to exceed
the amount of surplus in the food service fund.

new text begin (i) For purposes of this subdivision, "lunchroom furniture" means tables and chairs
regularly used by pupils in a lunchroom from which they may consume milk, meals, or
snacks in connection with school or community service activities.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for fiscal year 2024 and later.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [127A.151] STATE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Department of Education must employ a state school librarian within the State
Library Services Division of the department to provide technical assistance to licensed
school library media specialists and licensed school librarians. The state school librarian
must be or have been a licensed school library media specialist.
new text end

new text begin (b) The responsibilities of the state school librarian include but are not limited to providing
advice and guidance in academic standards development and statewide library data collection
from district and charter schools, and related activities. The state school librarian may
provide advice and guidance to the Department of Education staff responsible for
administering state library aid and monitoring district compliance. The state school librarian
must support district and charter schools on issues of intellectual freedom, media and digital
literacy, and growing lifelong readers. The state school librarian must share information
about available grant funds and resources, work with the Professional Educator Licensing
and Standards Board to support licensure acquisition, and support professional development
for licensed school library media specialists and licensed school librarians.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 134.356, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin By January 15, 2025, and annually thereafter, the commissioner of
education must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over kindergarten through grade 12 education on how school
districts and charter schools used aid under this section in the previous fiscal year. In
preparing the report, the commissioner may use information available from the uniform
financial accounting and reporting system. The report must be filed in accordance with
section 3.195.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Laws 2023, chapter 18, section 4, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2023, chapter
55, article 9, section 16, and Laws 2024, chapter 81, section 23, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

School lunch.

For school lunch aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.111,
including the amounts for the free school meals program:

	$	218,801,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 238,987,000 deleted text end new text begin 239,686,000 new text end	.....	2025

Sec. 5.

Laws 2023, chapter 18, section 4, subdivision 3, as amended by Laws 2023, chapter
55, article 9, section 17, and Laws 2024, chapter 81, section 24, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

School breakfast.

For school breakfast aid under Minnesota Statutes, section
124D.1158:

	$	44,178,000	.....	2024
	$	deleted text begin 48,334,000 deleted text end new text begin 48,747,000 new text end	.....	2025

Sec. 6. new text begin REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin The revisor of statutes shall renumber Minnesota Statutes, section 134.356, as Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.992, and make any necessary changes to statutory cross-references
to reflect these changes.
new text end

ARTICLE 10

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.151, subdivision 5, is
amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Application process; priority for high poverty schools.

(a) deleted text begin To qualify for
program approval for fiscal year 2017, a district or charter school must submit an application
to the commissioner by July 1, 2016. deleted text end To qualify for program approval deleted text begin for fiscal year 2018
and later deleted text end , a district or charter school must submit an application to the commissioner by
January 30 of the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which the program will be
implemented. The application must include:

(1) a description of the proposed program, including the number of hours per week the
program will be offered at each school site or mixed-delivery location;

(2) an estimate of the number of eligible children to be served in the program at each
school site or mixed-delivery location; and

(3) a statement of assurances signed by the superintendent or charter school director that
the proposed program meets the requirements of subdivision 2.

(b) The commissioner deleted text begin must review all applications submitted for fiscal year 2017 by
August 1, 2016, and deleted text end must review all applications deleted text begin submitted for fiscal year 2018 and later deleted text end
by March 1 of the fiscal year in which the applications are received and determine whether
each application meets the requirements of paragraph (a).

(c) The commissioner must divide all applications for new or expanded voluntary
prekindergarten programs under this section meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) and
school readiness plus programs into deleted text begin four deleted text end new text begin five new text end groups as follows: the Minneapolis deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin school
district; the new text end St. Paul school deleted text begin districts deleted text end new text begin district new text end ; other school districts located in the metropolitan
equity region as defined in section 126C.10, subdivision 28; school districts located in the
rural equity region as defined in section 126C.10, subdivision 28; and charter schools.
Within each group, the applications must be ordered by rank using a sliding scale based on
the following criteria:

(1) concentration of kindergarten students eligible for free or reduced-price meals by
school site on October 1 of the previous school year. A school site may contract to partner
with a community-based provider or Head Start under subdivision 3 or establish an early
childhood center and use the concentration of kindergarten students eligible for free or
reduced-price meals from a specific school site as long as those eligible children are
prioritized and guaranteed services at the mixed-delivery site or early education center. For
school district programs to be operated at locations that do not have free and reduced-price
meals concentration data for kindergarten programs for October 1 of the previous school
year, including mixed-delivery programs, the school district average concentration of
kindergarten students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must be used for the rank
ordering;

(2) presence or absence of a three- or four-star Parent Aware rated program within the
school district or close proximity of the district. School sites with the highest concentration
of kindergarten students eligible for free or reduced-price meals that do not have a three-
or four-star Parent Aware program within the district or close proximity of the district shall
receive the highest priority, and school sites with the lowest concentration of kindergarten
students eligible for free or reduced-price meals that have a three- or four-star Parent Aware
rated program within the district or close proximity of the district shall receive the lowest
priority; and

(3) whether the district has implemented a mixed delivery system.

deleted text begin (d) The limit on participation for the programs as specified in subdivision 6 must initially
be allocated among the four groups based on each group's percentage share of the statewide
kindergarten enrollment on October 1 of the previous school year. Within each group, the
participation limit for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 must deleted text end deleted text begin first be allocated to school sites
approved for aid in the previous year to ensure that those sites are funded for the same
number of participants as approved for the previous year. The remainder of the participation
limit for each group must be allocated among school sites in priority order until that region's
share of the participation limit is reached. If the participation limit is not reached for all
groups, the remaining amount must be allocated to the highest priority school sites, as
designated under this section, not funded in the initial allocation on a statewide basis. For
fiscal year 2020 and later, the participation limit must first be allocated to school sites
approved for aid in fiscal year 2017, and then to school sites approved for aid in fiscal year
2018 based on the statewide rankings under paragraph (c).
deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) Once a school site or a mixed delivery site under subdivision 3 is approved for aid
under this subdivision, it shall remain eligible for aid if it continues to meet program
requirements, regardless of changes in the concentration of students eligible for free or
reduced-price meals.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (f) If the total number of participants approved based on applications submitted under
paragraph (a) is less than the participation limit under subdivision 6, the commissioner must
notify all school districts and charter schools of the amount that remains available within
30 days of the initial application deadline under paragraph (a), and complete a second round
of allocations based on applications received within 60 days of the initial application deadline.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (g) Procedures for approving applications submitted under paragraph (f) shall be the
same as specified in paragraphs (a) to (d), except that the allocations shall be made to the
highest priority school sites not funded in the initial allocation on a statewide basis.
deleted text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.151, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 5a. new text end

new text begin Participation limit allocation. new text end

new text begin (a) Beginning July 1, 2024, the participation
limit specified in subdivision 6 must be initially allocated as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) a school site or mixed delivery site must receive the same number of seats the site
received in fiscal year 2024; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the remaining seats must be allocated among the five groups identified under
subdivision 5, paragraph (c), based on each group's percentage share of the statewide
kindergarten enrollment on October 1 of the previous school year.
new text end

new text begin (b) Within each group:
new text end

new text begin (1) the seats must be first allocated to any school sites and mixed delivery sites approved
for aid in the previous year; and
new text end

new text begin (2) any remaining seats must be allocated among school sites in priority order, as
determined under subdivision 5, paragraph (c), until the group's share of seats are allocated.
new text end

new text begin (c) If a group's entire share of seats is not allocated under paragraphs (a) and (b), then
the remaining seats must be allocated to the highest priority school sites and mixed delivery
sites in the state, as designated under subdivision 5, paragraph (c), not funded in the allocation
under paragraphs (a) and (b).
new text end

new text begin (d) Once a school site or a mixed delivery site is approved for aid under subdivision 5
and is allocated seats under this subdivision, it shall remain eligible for aid and seats if it
continues to meet program requirements, regardless of changes in the concentration of
students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
new text end

new text begin (e) If the total number of participants approved based on applications submitted under
subdivision 5, paragraph (a), is less than the participation limit under subdivision 6, the
commissioner must notify all school districts and charter schools of the amount that remains
available within 30 days of the initial application deadline under subdivision 5, paragraph
(a), and complete a second round of allocations based on applications received within 60
days of the initial application deadline.
new text end

new text begin (f) Procedures for approving applications submitted under paragraph (e) shall be the
same as specified in subdivision 5, and the allocations shall be made to the highest priority
school sites in the state as designated under subdivision 5, paragraph (c), not funded in the
initial allocation under paragraphs (a) and (b).
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 124D.151, subdivision 6, is amended
to read:

Subd. 6.

Participation limits.

(a) Notwithstanding section 126C.05, subdivision 1,
paragraph (c), the pupil units for a voluntary prekindergarten program for an eligible school
district or charter school must not exceed 60 percent of the kindergarten pupil units for that
school district or charter school under section 126C.05, subdivision 1, paragraph (d).

(b) In reviewing applications under subdivision 5 new text begin and allocating seats under subdivision
5a new text end , the commissioner must limit the total number of participants in the voluntary
prekindergarten and school readiness plus programs under Laws 2017, First Special Session
chapter 5, article 8, section 9, to not more than 7,160 participants for fiscal deleted text begin years 2023, deleted text end new text begin year new text end
2024 deleted text begin , and 2025, deleted text end and 12,360 participants for fiscal year deleted text begin 2026 deleted text end new text begin 2025 new text end and later.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.19, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

School-age care programs.

(a) A school board may offer, as part of a
community education program, a school-age care program for children deleted text begin from kindergarten deleted text end new text begin
enrolled in the district new text end through grade 6 for the purpose of expanding students' learning
opportunities. If the school board chooses not to offer a school-age care program, it may
allow an appropriate insured community group, for profit entity or nonprofit organization
to use available school facilities for the purpose of offering a school-age care program.

(b) A school-age care program must include the following:

(1) adult supervised programs while school is not in session;

(2) parental involvement in program design and direction;

(3) partnerships with the kindergarten through grade 12 system, and other public, private,
or nonprofit entities;

(4) opportunities for trained secondary school pupils to work with younger children in
a supervised setting as part of a community service program; and

(5) access to available school facilities, including the gymnasium, sports equipment,
computer labs, and media centers, when not otherwise in use as part of the operation of the
school. The school district may establish reasonable rules relating to access to these facilities
and may require that:

(i) the organization request access to the facilities and prepare and maintain a schedule
of proposed use;

(ii) the organization provide evidence of adequate insurance to cover the activities to be
conducted in the facilities; and

(iii) the organization prepare and maintain a plan demonstrating the adequacy and training
of staff to supervise the use of the facilities.

(c) The district may charge a sliding fee based upon family income for school-age care
programs. The district may receive money from other public or private sources for the
school-age care program. The board of the district must develop standards for school-age
child care programs. The commissioner of education may not adopt rules for school-age
care programs.

(d) The district shall maintain a separate account within the community services fund
for all funds related to the school-age care program.

(e) A district is encouraged to coordinate the school-age care program with its special
education, vocational education, adult basic education, early childhood family education
programs, kindergarten through grade 12 instruction and curriculum services, youth
development and youth service agencies, and with related services provided by other
governmental agencies and nonprofit agencies.

Sec. 5.

Laws 2023, chapter 54, section 20, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Head Start program.

(a) For Head Start programs under Minnesota Statutes,
section 119A.52:

	$	35,100,000	.....	2024
	$	35,100,000	.....	2025

(b) new text begin For fiscal year 2025 and later, up to two percent of the appropriation in each year is
available for administration.
new text end

new text begin (c) new text end Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.

Sec. 6.

Laws 2023, chapter 54, section 20, subdivision 24, is amended to read:

Subd. 24.

Early childhood curriculum grants.

(a) For competitive grants to Minnesota
postsecondary institutions to improve the curricula of the recipient institution's early
childhood education programs by incorporating or conforming to the Minnesota knowledge
and competency frameworks for early childhood professionals:

	$	250,000	.....	2024
	$	250,000	.....	2025

(b) By December 1, 2024, and again by December 1, 2025, the commissioner must
submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over early childhood through grade 12 education and higher education
finance and policy reporting on grants awarded under this subdivision. The report must
include the following information for the previous fiscal year:

(1) the number of grant applications received;

(2) the criteria applied by the commissioner for evaluating applications;

(3) the number of grants awarded, grant recipients, and amounts awarded;

(4) early childhood education curricular reforms proposed by each recipient institution;

(5) grant outcomes for each recipient institution; and

(6) other information identified by the commissioner as outcome indicators.

(c) The commissioner may use no more than three percent of the appropriation under
this subdivision to administer the grant program.

(d) This is a onetime appropriation.

new text begin (e) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin DIRECTION TO THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION; ADJUSTING
VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN PARTICIPATION LIMITS.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of education must retroactively adjust the voluntary prekindergarten
and school readiness plus seat allocation under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.151,
subdivision 5a, for fiscal year 2025 to match the participation limit under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.141, subdivision 6, for fiscal year 2025. The commissioner of education, in
consultation with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families Implementation Office,
must finish allocating the new seats for fiscal year 2025 by June 1, 2024, and must notify
qualifying school districts and charter schools about the new seats by June 15, 2024.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 8. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 10, section 4, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

ARTICLE 11

STATE AGENCIES

Section 1.

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 12, section 17, subdivision 2, is amended to
read:

Subd. 2.

Department.

(a) For the Department of Education:

	$	47,005,000	.....	2024
	$	39,922,000	.....	2025

Of these amounts:

(1) $405,000 each year is for the Board of School Administrators;

(2) $1,000,000 each year is for regional centers of excellence under Minnesota Statutes,
section 120B.115;

(3) $720,000 each year is for implementing Minnesota's Learning for English Academic
Proficiency and Success Act (LEAPS) under Laws 2014, chapter 272, article 1, as amended;

(4) $480,000 each year is for the Department of Education's mainframe update;

(5) $7,500,000 in fiscal year 2024 only is for legal fees and costs associated with
litigation;

(6) $595,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $2,609,000 in fiscal year 2025 are for modernizing
district data submissions. The base for fiscal year 2026 and later is $2,359,000;

(7) $573,000 each year is for engagement and rulemaking related to Specific Learning
Disability;

(8) $150,000 each year is for an ethnic studies specialist in the academic standards
division to provide support to the ethnic studies working group and to school districts seeking
to establish or strengthen ethnic studies courses;

(9) $150,000 each year is for the comprehensive school mental health services lead under
Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.215;

(10) $150,000 each year is for a school health services specialist under Minnesota
Statutes, section 121A.20;

(11) $2,000,000 each year is for the Office of the Inspector General established under
Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.21;

(12) $800,000 each year is for audit and internal control resources;

(13) $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 only is for information technology infrastructure
and portfolio resources;

(14) $2,000,000 each year is for staffing the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Center
at the Department of Education; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(15) $275,000 in fiscal year 2024 and deleted text begin $175,000 deleted text end new text begin $45,000 new text end in fiscal year 2025 are for
administrative expenses for unemployment aid new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (16) $130,000 in fiscal year 2025 is for the state school librarian under Minnesota
Statutes, section 127A.151 new text end .

(b) None of the amounts appropriated under this subdivision may be used for Minnesota's
Washington, D.C., office.

(c) The expenditures of federal grants and aids as shown in the biennial budget document
and its supplements are approved and appropriated and must be spent as indicated.

(d) The base for fiscal year 2026 and later is $39,667,000.

Sec. 2. new text begin PERMANENT SCHOOL FUND; DISTRIBUTION OF ENDOWMENT
FUND EARNINGS TASK FORCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Task force established. new text end

new text begin A task force of nine members is established to
examine the distribution of earnings from the permanent school fund endowment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership qualifications and appointments. new text end

new text begin (a) Appointed members of
the task force must have outstanding professional experience in at least one of the following
areas:
new text end

new text begin (1) institutional asset management;
new text end

new text begin (2) investment finance;
new text end

new text begin (3) trust administration;
new text end

new text begin (4) investment fund accounting;
new text end

new text begin (5) investment banking; or
new text end

new text begin (6) the practice of law in the areas of capital markets, securities funds, trusts, foundations,
or endowments.
new text end

new text begin (b) The task force consists of the following nine members, each of whom must be
appointed by September 1, 2024:
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioner of education or the commissioner's designee;
new text end

new text begin (2) an employee or other member appointed by the State Board of Investment;
new text end

new text begin (3) four members appointed by the governor; and
new text end

new text begin (4) three members appointed by vote of the Legislative Permanent School Fund
Commission.
new text end

new text begin (c) The first meeting of the task force must be called by the commissioner of education
no later than October 1, 2024. The Department of Education must provide staff, technical
assistance, and organizational support for the task force.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The task force must examine the historical returns on the permanent
school fund endowment and evaluate and recommend potential changes to the distribution
of earnings. The task force may examine school trust endowment policies in other states.
The task force recommendations may include proposed changes to state statutes and
Minnesota's constitutional provisions governing the school trust fund endowment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Report; expiration. new text end

new text begin The task force must report its recommendations to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
the permanent school fund by January 15, 2026. The task force report must be submitted
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195. The task force expires on January 15,
2026, or upon submission of the report required under this subdivision, whichever occurs
earlier.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION; PERMANENT SCHOOL FUND TASK FORCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sum indicated in this section is
appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal year
designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Permanent School Fund Task Force. new text end

new text begin (a) To administer the task force on the
distribution of earnings from the permanent school fund:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 64,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) This is a onetime appropriation. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATION; PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSING AND
STANDARDS BOARD.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. new text end

new text begin The sum
indicated in this section is appropriated from the general fund to the Professional Educator
Licensing and Standards Board in the fiscal year designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Educator online licensing system. new text end

new text begin (a) For information technology costs for
the educator online licensing system:
new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 2,767,000 new text end

new text begin ..... new text end

new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Session Laws: S5252-1

Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 10, section 4

Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATION; VOLUNTARY PREKINDERGARTEN RESERVE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sums indicated in this section are appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education in the fiscal years designated. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Voluntary prekindergarten reserve. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must reserve the following amount for future allocation towards 3,000 voluntary prekindergarten seats: new text end

	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 0 new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2024 new text end
	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 50,000,000 new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end

new text begin (b) The 2024 legislature must provide direction to the commissioner on allocating the money reserved under paragraph (a). new text end

new text begin (c) This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2026. new text end