SF244 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Education savings accounts establishment
Related bill: HF19
AI Generated Summary
The legislative bill SF No. 244, known as the Education Savings Accounts for Minnesota Students Act (ESA4MSA), proposes the establishment of education savings accounts (ESAs) for students in Minnesota. These accounts are designed to provide parents with funds to cover educational expenses for their children. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for students and families based on residency and income levels. Also, it details the types of expenses that can be paid using ESA funds, including tuition, textbooks, school supplies, and even technological devices if necessary for educational purposes.
The program aims to increase choice in education by allowing funds to be used at various educational institutions, including nonpublic schools, community colleges, and for certain online programs. The proposal includes mechanisms for managing and overseeing these accounts, preventing fraudulent uses, and ensuring that educational providers meet specific requirements.
Key points in the bill include: - Definition of eligible students, educational service providers, and qualifying expenses. - Provision of ESA program guidelines, including application, participation eligibility, funding levels, and account management. - Obligations for parents using the ESA, including the arrangement of appropriste education services and restrictions on enrollment in public schools while participating in the ESA program. - Establishment of administrative roles and responsibilities for the commissioner responsible for overseeing the ESA program, including fraud prevention and handling violations.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes that participation in the ESA program does not impose additional regulations on nonpublic schools beyond what is necessary for program compliance. It also features the creation of a Parent Review and Advisory Panel to aid in program evaluation and provide feedback for improvements.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| January 15, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Education Policy |
| January 20, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| January 26, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Establishes guidelines for eligible school participation in new ESA program."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References existing criteria for recognition or accreditation of nonpublic schools under section 123B.445.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "123B.445"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarifies eligible expenses related to public school services within ESA."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Refers to shared time programs under section 126C.19.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "126C.19"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Establishes eligible expenses related to assessments for students with disabilities."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Refers to the definition of a child with a disability in section 125A.02 for eligible expenses.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "125A.02"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Includes expenses for assessments for English learners in the ESA program."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References the definition of an English learner in section 124D.59.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "124D.59"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specifies household income criteria based on federal lunch program standards."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References the National School Lunch Act related to income qualifications for ESAs.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "United States Code title 42 section 1751 et seq"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarifies ESA participation as a parental placement under IDEA."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Refers to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for students with disabilities.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "United States Code title 20 section 1412"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provides a legal framework for appeals against decisions made by the commissioner."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Allows for judicial review under sections 1463 to 1469.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "1463 to 1469"
}
]