SF 524

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/07/2017 09:44am

A bill for an act
relating to taxation; individual income; providing a refundable credit for attaining
a master's degree in teacher's licensure field; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 290.

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

Section. 1.

new text begin [290.0682] CREDIT FOR ATTAINING MASTER'S DEGREE IN
TEACHER'S LICENSURE FIELD.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given them.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Master's degree program" means a graduate-level program at an accredited university
leading to a master of arts or science degree in a core content area directly related to a
qualified teacher's licensure field. The master's degree program may not include pedagogy
or a pedagogy component. To be eligible under this credit, a licensed elementary school
teacher must pursue and complete a master's degree program in a core content area in which
the teacher provides direct classroom instruction.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Qualified teacher" means a K-12 teacher who:
new text end

new text begin (1) holds a continuing license granted by the Minnesota Board of Teaching both when
the teacher begins the master's degree program and when the teacher completes the master's
degree program;
new text end

new text begin (2) began a master's degree program after June 30, 2017; and
new text end

new text begin (3) completes the master's degree program during the taxable year.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Core content area" means the academic subject of reading, English or language arts,
mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history,
or geography.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Credit allowed. new text end

new text begin (a) An individual who is a qualified teacher is allowed a credit
against the tax imposed under this chapter. The credit equals $2,500.
new text end

new text begin (b) For a nonresident or a part-year resident, the credit under this subdivision must be
allocated based on the percentage calculated under section 290.06, subdivision 2c, paragraph
(e).
new text end

new text begin (c) A qualified teacher may claim the credit in this section only one time for each master's
degree program completed in a core content area.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Credit refundable. new text end

new text begin (a) If the amount of the credit for which an individual is
eligible exceeds the individual's liability for tax under this chapter, the commissioner shall
refund the excess to the individual.
new text end

new text begin (b) The amount necessary to pay the refunds required by this section is appropriated to
the commissioner from the general fund.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for taxable years beginning after December
31, 2016.
new text end