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SF2412 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Charter school boards of directors and charter school chief administrators requirements modifications, local officials and charter school officials filing statements of economic interest requirement, and charter school officials inclusion in the public official gift ban provision

AI Generated Summary

This Minnesota Senate bill (S.F. No. 2412) proposes modifications to the governance and ethical accountability of charter school boards and officials. The key provisions include:

  1. Gift Ban Extension: Charter school board members, directors, and chief administrators are included in Minnesota's public official gift ban (Minn. Stat. § 10A.071). This prohibits them from accepting gifts from entities that could be influenced by their official actions.

  2. Economic Interest Disclosures: Charter school board members, directors, and chief administrators must file statements of economic interest (Minn. Stat. § 10A.09). This includes:

    • Filing within 60 days of employment for positions involving financial decision-making.
    • Charter school board candidates filing at least 14 days before elections.

  3. Charter School Board Composition and Rules:

    • Boards must have at least five members residing in Minnesota.
    • Prohibits relatives from serving together on the board.
    • Requires at least one licensed teacher, one parent/guardian (not an employee), and one community member (must reside in Minnesota and have no children enrolled in the school).
    • Restricts board membership for individuals associated with entities contracting with the school.
    • Prohibits employees (except eligible teachers) from serving on the board.
    • Prohibits individuals from serving on multiple charter school boards simultaneously, except administrators serving multiple schools in an ex-officio role.

  4. Election Rules and Transparency:

    • Eligible voters include staff, board members, and parents/guardians of enrolled students.
    • The board must publish election procedures on the school's website.
    • Candidates’ names and biographies must be posted 10 days before the election.
    • Elections must occur during the school year but not on days when the school is closed.
    • Newly elected members must file an oath of office with the school's authorizer.

This bill aims to increase accountability, transparency, and ethical governance in Minnesota charter schools.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification that charter school directors and chief administrators are included."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition section of the statute concerning gifts to officials under section 10A.071.",
      "modified": [
        "Expanded definition of 'Official' to include specific charter school personnel."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.071",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Charter school officials required to file within 60 days of employment."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill alters the filing requirements for statements of economic interest under section 10A.09.",
      "modified": [
        "Expanded scope to include charter school board candidates and members."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.09",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for charter school board members and administrators to comply with sections 10A.071 and 10A.09."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill adds a new subdivision to section 124E.03 regarding charter schools and economic interest statements.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124E.03",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill changes the transition requirements for charter school boards under section 124E.07.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the timeline and transition process for board members."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124E.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Restrictions on who may serve based on potential conflicts of interest."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the membership criteria for charter school boards under section 124E.07.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines board composition and member qualifications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124E.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirements for candidate notifications and election procedure transparency."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill updates the election procedures for charter school boards under section 124E.07.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies voting eligibility and election timing."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124E.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  }
]

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