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SF2798 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Nonresident school district enrollment authorization

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify the definitions and criteria regarding school district residency to allow for more flexible enrollment options in Minnesota. This bill amends an existing statute concerning student attendance in nonresident school districts.

Main Provisions

  • Parent Definition: The term "parent" is defined as a guardian or person with legal custody of a child. Specific definitions are provided for different scenarios, including when a pupil is over the age of 18 and married or unmarried.
  • Residency Determination: The bill clarifies how school district residency is determined for pupils over the age of 18, based on their marital status and where their parents or guardians reside.
  • Residency Challenges: If a school district questions a student's residency, they must notify the student's parents in writing, explaining the reasons for their belief and allow the family to present evidence. This includes in-person submission to the superintendent or sending documentation.
  • Residency Documentation: Clarifies that evidence of residency may include a statement from the student’s parent indicating that the student’s residency address is that of a relative (grandparent, aunt, or uncle), even if the student does not reside there.

Significant Changes

  • The bill proposes that school districts can no longer remove a student solely based on residency without following a detailed notification and evidence review process.
  • It allows for extended definitions of residency to include addresses of relatives, which could potentially facilitate easier enrollment in nonresident school districts.

Relevant Terms

residency, nonresident school district, parent definition, legal custody, documentary evidence of residency, superintendent, school district of residence

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy
April 08, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on documentary evidence requirements for proving residency."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of parent and determines residency for school enrollment in section 120A.22.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated definition of 'parent' and clarified conditions for determining student residency."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120A.22",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Referenced for the determination of school district of residence for certain students.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions for determining the school district of residence for unmarried students who are parents."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "125A.03",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Referenced in relation to education statutes concerning student residency.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines 'parent' for purposes related to student's school district of residence."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "125A.24",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Referenced in the context of determining school district residency for certain students.",
      "modified": [
        "Addresses determination of school district of residence for students placed in care and treatment centers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "125A.65",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors