This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 290.0686, which provides a tax credit for teachers who attain a master's degree in their licensure field. The key changes in this bill include:

1. Expansion of Eligibility – The tax credit will now apply to teachers who earn a master's degree in special education, in addition to those who pursue a master's degree in a core content area related to their teaching licensure.

2. Definition Clarifications:

   • A "Master's degree program" must be graduate-level from an accredited university. Special education programs now qualify, whereas other eligible programs must be in a core subject area and cannot include pedagogy courses.
   • A "Qualified teacher" must hold a valid teaching license from the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board at both the start and completion of the master's degree or obtain the license within six months of completing the degree.
   • "Core content areas" remain subjects such as reading, math, science, foreign languages, etc.
   • "Special education" encompasses master's programs related to disabilities, early childhood special education, autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, and related areas.

3. Tax Credit Details:

   • The maximum credit is $2,500, limited to the amount paid for tuition, fees, books, and instructional materials not reimbursed by an employer or scholarship.
   • Nonresidents or part-year residents may receive a prorated credit based on their percentage of taxable income in Minnesota.
   • The credit may be claimed only once per completed master's degree program.

Overall, the bill aims to incentivize and financially support teachers pursuing higher education in special education as well as core content areas.