Minneslate Logo

SF2244 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Referendum levy equalizing factors increase provision and appropriation

Related bill: HF1988

AI Generated Summary

This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 2244, proposes changes to the state's education finance system by increasing referendum levy equalizing factors. Specifically, it amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 126C.17, Subdivision 6, which governs the calculation of referendum equalization levies for school districts.

Key Changes:

  1. Increase in Equalization Factors:

    • The first tier referendum equalization levy factor increases from $567,000 to $1,500,000.
    • The second tier referendum equalization levy factor increases from $290,000 to $870,000.

  2. Impact:

    • This adjustment raises the threshold at which state aid helps districts with lower property wealth, potentially leading to more state funding for school districts with lower tax bases.
    • It aims to reduce disparities in education funding by making local levies less burdensome for districts with lower property values.

  3. Appropriation of Funds:

    • The bill authorizes the appropriation of state funds to cover the increased support for school districts.

Summary:

This legislation seeks to increase state funding support for school districts with lower property tax bases by modifying the referendum equalization formula, ensuring fairer distribution of education funding across Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toEducation Finance
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Finance
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends the calculation of the referendum equalization levy, impacting local school district funding under section 126C.17, subdivision 6.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the ratio values used in calculating the first and second tier referendum equalization levies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "126C.17",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  }
]

Sponsors