HF1435 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Education innovation provided, innovation zone provisions modified, P-TECH approval process modified, and Education Innovation recodified and reorganized.
AI Generated Summary
This bill proposes modifications to various aspects of education innovation in Minnesota. The key provisions include:
Experiential and Applied Learning: Encourages school districts to offer non-traditional learning programs like magnet schools, project-based learning, technical education, and Montessori schools. It also allows districts to declare students as meeting certain academic standards based on rigorous coursework.
Innovation Zone Modifications: Revises the Innovation Research Zones Pilot Program, which allows school districts and charter schools to experiment with innovative education approaches. The changes include:
- Removing the requirement for an Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel.
- Clarifying that the Commissioner of Education may review and report on innovation zone programs but has a reduced role in approving or denying them.
- Expanding possible innovations, such as competency-based learning models, career-technical education, and enhancements for special education programs.
- Allowing partnerships between districts, charter schools, businesses, and postsecondary institutions to create new educational approaches.
P-TECH Schools Approval Process: Modifies the process by which Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) programs are established. The bill shifts approval authority from the Commissioner of Education to local school boards.
Reorganization of Education Innovation Laws: Recodifies and consolidates statutes related to education innovation into a newly organized chapter (124F), aiming for better organization without changing existing legal interpretations.
Repeal of Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel: The bill eliminates the advisory panel that previously reviewed and approved innovation zone plans.
In summary, the bill seeks to encourage innovation in education by reducing bureaucratic oversight, empowering local school districts, and expanding opportunities for students through experiential learning, career pathways, and competency-based models.
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Education Policy |
| February 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Education Policy |
| March 11, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| March 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| March 16, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to | Education Finance |
| March 19, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Proposal for PTECH school design and collaboration with higher education and business partners."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill discusses the requirements for a school to be designated as a PTECH school under Minnesota Statutes section 124D.09, subdivision 3.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies the required elements for PTECH school application including partnerships and designs."
]
},
"citation": "124D.09",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill encourages school districts to align with state academic standards for graduation waivers under Minnesota Statutes section 120B.021, subdivision 1a.",
"modified": [
"Encourages alignment between career curriculum and state academic standards."
]
},
"citation": "120B.021",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Collaboration for innovation zone partnerships aimed at improving education outcomes."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill references requirements for student and school outcomes aligned with the world's best workforce requirement under Minnesota Statutes section 120B.11.",
"modified": [
"Emphasizes broader education models and partnerships for better student outcomes."
]
},
"citation": "120B.11",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill mentions online learning program approval under Minnesota Statutes section 124D.095, subdivision 7.",
"modified": [
"Exemption details for offering online learning combined with direct teacher access."
]
},
"citation": "124D.095",
"subdivision": "subdivision 7"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "References restriction on extended time revenue under Minnesota Statutes section 126C.10, subdivision 2a.",
"modified": [
"Explains criteria for student eligibility under extended time revenue exceptions."
]
},
"citation": "126C.10",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Cites criteria for student eligibility under Minnesota Statutes section 124D.68, subdivision 2.",
"modified": [
"Connected to exemptions for extended time revenue in educational programs."
]
},
"citation": "124D.68",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "References district-created site-governed school exemptions under Minnesota Statutes section 123B.045.",
"modified": [
"Provision for educational model exemptions in innovation zone plans."
]
},
"citation": "123B.045",
"subdivision": ""
}
]