This bill, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, proposes the establishment of due process days and aid for special education teachers, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The key provisions include:

1. Due Process Time for Teachers:

   • School districts, including charter schools and cooperative units, must allocate time for teachers to complete due process forms and procedures related to special education.
     
   • This time is in addition to regular preparation time.
     

2. Plan for Implementation:

   • School districts must negotiate with the teachers' exclusive representative to create a plan for using the allocated revenue.
     
   • Teachers providing direct services to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) must receive four contract days per school year for due process work.
     
   • The days must be spread equally throughout the school year.
     
   • The plan must also detail staff coverage during these due process days.
     

3. Substitute Teachers Option:

   • If an agreement on staffing is not reached, the district must use funds to hire substitute teachers to cover for teachers completing due process requirements.
     

4. Due Process Aid:

   • School districts enrolling students in special education are eligible for due process aid.
     
   • The Minnesota Department of Education will calculate the statewide average cost of four additional due process days and distribute funding accordingly.
     
   • The department will determine annual funding allowances, with adjustments based on prior fiscal year expenditures.
     

This bill aims to support special education teachers by ensuring they have dedicated time to handle required paperwork and compliance tasks, while also providing financial assistance to school districts to accommodate this requirement.