Minneslate Logo

HF19 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Education savings accounts established, and rules required.

Related bill: SF244

AI Generated Summary

This bill, referred to the Education Policy Committee, proposes the creation of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) in Minnesota to help fund students' educational needs through various approved expenses. The program, titled "Education Savings Accounts for Minnesota Students Act" or "ESA4MSA," allows eligible students from lower-income families to receive state funds into these accounts. Eligibility is primarily based on household income not exceeding four times the income standard of the reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act.

Parents can use the funds from these accounts for expenses like tuition, textbooks, educational supplies, technology necessary for education, and services such as tutoring or specialized courses. The bill outlines specific terms for participation, including the requirement for parents to manage the education plans and ensure they meet educational goals. It prohibits the use of funds for non-educational purposes and details procedures for account oversight, application, and potential fraud prevention.

The launch of the ESA program is planned for the fall of 2026, with specific rules and guidelines set to streamline the process and ensure appropriate use of allocated funds. The bill also provides considerations and protections for students with disabilities under existing federal laws.

Overall, the bill is aimed at giving parents more flexibility in choosing educational services that best meet their children's needs while ensuring regulatory oversight to prevent misuse of funds.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 05, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEducation Policy
February 05, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEducation Policy
February 09, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
February 09, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 18, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 18, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 01, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References recognition by the Minnesota Nonpublic Education Council under section 123B.445 for accrediting agencies.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "123B.445",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'child with a disability' under section 125A.02.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "125A.02",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines 'English learner' under section 124D.59.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "124D.59",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Mentions shared time program under section 126C.19.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "126C.19",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Covers the judicial review process under sections 14.63 to 14.69.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "14.63",
    "subdivision": "to 14.69"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) under U.S. Code Title 20 Section 1412.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "United States Code title 20 section 1412",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the income standard for reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act as defined in U.S. Code Title 42, Section 1751 et seq.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "United States Code title 42 section 1751 et seq.",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors