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SF2072 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Wellness checks for students receiving online instruction requirement

AI Generated Summary

The bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 2072, proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.094, subdivision 2, concerning digital and online instruction for students. The key provisions include:

  1. Online Instruction Requirements

    • Schools may provide digital, blended, or fully online instruction to their enrolled students or through agreements with other schools.
    • Teachers conducting online classes must comply with Minnesota teacher licensing rules and can only instruct up to 40 students per course, unless granted a waiver.
    • Online curriculum must be aligned with Minnesota academic standards and be accessible under the Rehabilitation Act (Sections 504 and 508) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  2. Support for Low-Income Families

    • Districts must assist eligible low-income families (who qualify for the education tax credit under section 290.0674) in acquiring computer hardware and educational software necessary for online learning.
    • Public funds used for this purpose can only be spent on qualifying educational expenses, and purchased non-consumable materials remain the property of the provider.

  3. Attendance and Record-Keeping

    • Schools must document and track daily student attendance for online instruction in compliance with Minnesota attendance laws (section 120A.21).

  4. New Requirement: Weekly Wellness Checks

    • The bill introduces a mandatory weekly wellness check for students enrolled in online learning.
    • A wellness check must:
      • Be conducted by an adult who visibly sees and communicates with the student in real-time at least once a week.
      • Ensure the student's well-being and identify any concerns.
      • Require mandatory reporting of any suspected child abuse or maltreatment in accordance with Minnesota’s child protection laws (chapter 260E).

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance student well-being and engagement in digital learning by ensuring regular adult contact and monitoring, particularly for students in full-time online programs.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A requirement for weekly wellness checks for students receiving online instruction."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies digital instruction provisions for school districts under section 124D.094.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies teacher responsibilities and student reporting requirements for online instruction."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124D.094"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill refers to the education tax credit under section 290.0674.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures that families qualifying for the education tax credit can acquire necessary technology for online instruction."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "290.0674"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill updates requirements for attendance tracking under section 120A.21.",
      "modified": [
        "Requires accurate attendance records for students receiving digital instruction."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120A.21"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill includes reporting requirements under chapter 260E concerning maltreatment of minors.",
      "modified": [
        "Mandates reporting abuse during wellness checks in compliance with chapter 260E."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260E"
  }
]

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