Virtual MASE Legislative Updates with Valerie Dosland
To keep members informed on legislative developments, MASE lobbyist, Valerie Dosland, will be providing members with regular legislative updates during the session. These updates will cover key issues advancing of interest to MASE and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and share concerns and information.
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Legislative Update Summaries
Session update - Week of February 24, 2025
Things are moving at the Capitol, but much of the focus is on the upcoming budget forecast, set for release on March 6. Once the legislature has a clearer picture of the state of the budget, they will set budget targets and begin putting their budget bills together.
Legislative leaders announced Friday deadlines that bills must be heard to advance. The first deadline, April 4, applies to policy bills, which must clear all relevant committees by then. The second deadline, April 11, applies to budget bills, meaning we’ll know by that date what the House and Senate plan to advance in their education budget.
On Friday, MDE announced that the adjusted formula allowance for FY26 will be set at $7,481 per adjusted pupil unit, a 2.74% increase, or $200, over FY25. Additional information on the CPI increase will be posted on the MDE website once the February 2025 forecast has been released.
Committee Hearing Updates
Senate Education Policy
The committee heard an overview of the P-20 Partnership and its annual report along with several bills including SF1457 which requires schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans; and SF1462 which transfers from PELSB to MDE the administration for grant programs that focus on increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of the state's teacher workforce; and the MDE policy bill.
March 3, the committee will be hearing MASE’s bill to establish a workgroup to look at extending the developmental delay category to age 9.
And MASE tri-chair, Heidi Nistler, will be providing the committee with an overview on special education. If you would like to watch online, you can go to the committee’s page, and you will see a link to watch the hearing virtually. The committee meets from 12:30-2:30.
House Education Policy
This week the committee heard four bills that address issues raised in the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group. Under HF1030, the report parents currently receive on their child's state assessment performance would also include the student's absences from school for the previous year. HF1053 requires school districts to notify MDE of students dropped for 15+ consecutive absences and assigns MDE responsibility for re-enrollment. HF1054 requires the school performance reports posted by MDE to include student attendance data for the previous school year. HF1413 requires MDE to post consistent attendance data for each school year no later than September 1 of the following school year.
The committee also heard HF15 which establishes a grant program for school security systems. The bill was amended so the requirement to include safety plans as part of a district LTFM plan only applies to districts receiving the grant. It was also noted that funding was not available to cooperative school district and the author indicated the bill would be amended to do so. The committee also heard HF22 known as the “Parent's Bill of Rights.”
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with the legislative platform, other bills that may be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
SF1780: Requiring members of the legislative committees on education policy and education finance to observe a teacher or administrator each year.
SF1819: Increasing special education cross-subsidy aid; appropriating money.
SF1830: Allowing for the use of seclusion as a restrictive procedure.
SF1837: Clarifying allowed uses of student support personnel aid.
HF1381, Exempting certain out-of-field permissions from the limit on renewals.
HF1415, Increasing funding for the school unemployment aid account in the special revenue fund; appropriating money.
HF1515, Requiring personal learning plans to include interventions.
HF1538, Appropriating money for teacher apprenticeships; requiring a report.
HF1719, Allowing students to complete state assessments remotely; appropriating money.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
April 4: Policy bill deadline
April 11: Budget bill deadline
Week of April 14: Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
Things are moving at the Capitol, but much of the focus is on the upcoming budget forecast, set for release on March 6. Once the legislature has a clearer picture of the state of the budget, they will set budget targets and begin putting their budget bills together.
Legislative leaders announced Friday deadlines that bills must be heard to advance. The first deadline, April 4, applies to policy bills, which must clear all relevant committees by then. The second deadline, April 11, applies to budget bills, meaning we’ll know by that date what the House and Senate plan to advance in their education budget.
On Friday, MDE announced that the adjusted formula allowance for FY26 will be set at $7,481 per adjusted pupil unit, a 2.74% increase, or $200, over FY25. Additional information on the CPI increase will be posted on the MDE website once the February 2025 forecast has been released.
Committee Hearing Updates
Senate Education Policy
The committee heard an overview of the P-20 Partnership and its annual report along with several bills including SF1457 which requires schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans; and SF1462 which transfers from PELSB to MDE the administration for grant programs that focus on increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of the state's teacher workforce; and the MDE policy bill.
March 3, the committee will be hearing MASE’s bill to establish a workgroup to look at extending the developmental delay category to age 9.
And MASE tri-chair, Heidi Nistler, will be providing the committee with an overview on special education. If you would like to watch online, you can go to the committee’s page, and you will see a link to watch the hearing virtually. The committee meets from 12:30-2:30.
House Education Policy
This week the committee heard four bills that address issues raised in the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group. Under HF1030, the report parents currently receive on their child's state assessment performance would also include the student's absences from school for the previous year. HF1053 requires school districts to notify MDE of students dropped for 15+ consecutive absences and assigns MDE responsibility for re-enrollment. HF1054 requires the school performance reports posted by MDE to include student attendance data for the previous school year. HF1413 requires MDE to post consistent attendance data for each school year no later than September 1 of the following school year.
The committee also heard HF15 which establishes a grant program for school security systems. The bill was amended so the requirement to include safety plans as part of a district LTFM plan only applies to districts receiving the grant. It was also noted that funding was not available to cooperative school district and the author indicated the bill would be amended to do so. The committee also heard HF22 known as the “Parent's Bill of Rights.”
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with the legislative platform, other bills that may be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
SF1780: Requiring members of the legislative committees on education policy and education finance to observe a teacher or administrator each year.
SF1819: Increasing special education cross-subsidy aid; appropriating money.
SF1830: Allowing for the use of seclusion as a restrictive procedure.
SF1837: Clarifying allowed uses of student support personnel aid.
HF1381, Exempting certain out-of-field permissions from the limit on renewals.
HF1415, Increasing funding for the school unemployment aid account in the special revenue fund; appropriating money.
HF1515, Requiring personal learning plans to include interventions.
HF1538, Appropriating money for teacher apprenticeships; requiring a report.
HF1719, Allowing students to complete state assessments remotely; appropriating money.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
April 4: Policy bill deadline
April 11: Budget bill deadline
Week of April 14: Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
Archive
MASE session update - week of January 24, 2025
Senate Moves Forward as House Remains Stalled
Since last Friday’s MN supreme court ruling, affirming that 68 members are indeed needed for a quorum, no progress has been made toward a resolution on how to convene the House. The main point of contention is the House DFL’s concern over an effort to block the seating of Rep. Brad Tabke, as well as an outstanding special election that could result in a 67-67 tie, potentially requiring a power-sharing agreement. The timeline for the House to reconvene remains uncertain, with no movement expected until DFL and Republican leaders reach a consensus.
Meanwhile, the Senate continues its daily business, with committee hearings and floor sessions proceeding without significant political drama. While the balance of power shifted back in favor of the DFL following the January 28 special election, the possibility of maintaining the power-sharing agreement remains.
Senate Committee hearing updates
Education Policy
The committee spent a day hearing from school district leaders from around the state their ideas and concerns regarding state laws affecting the teacher supply. Issues raised include challenges with the tiered licensure system, out-of-field permission limitations, posting requirements, and PSEO. One of the testifiers included MASE tri-chair Nicole Woodward, from St. Croix River Education District who testified on the need for more flexibility on out-of-field permission limitations and posting requirements. She provided excellent testimony!
The committee also heard SF482, a bill to extend the short-call substitute teacher pilot program to 2027. There was a lengthy discussion about the challenges posed by the required $200 daily rate, which made it difficult for districts to apply for the program. An amendment was adopted to change the rate to $175 for districts in the seven-county metro area and $150 for all other districts. The bill was passed and sent to the Education Finance Committee.
Education Finance Committee
The committee heard testimony from school district leaders from around the state about the impact of mandates passed in the last two years and about funding challenges that lay ahead for school districts.
The committee also received an update on the Student Attendance Pilot and an overview of the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group Report.
The committee also heard and laid over for further discussion, SF133, legislation to expand the allowable uses for student support personnel aid to include costs for transportation, equipment, supplies, personnel training, and efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated state budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
April 11 (starting at noon) – April 21 (returning at noon): Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with MASE’s legislative platform, other bills that are likely to be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
SF 676: Requiring notice of violent school incidents; prohibiting retaliation for reporting.
SF 507: Requiring districts to adopt policies and processes to assist parents who require language assistance; requiring reasonable accommodation for parents of children with disabilities.
SF 771: Modifying the Read Act; canceling appropriations; providing for education innovation; modifying innovation zone provisions; modifying P-TECH approval process; recodifying and reorganizing education innovation; establishing an Office of Achievement and Innovation in the Department of Education; modifying equity, diversity, and inclusion appropriation; requiring the commissioner to establish a school performance report system; authorizing certain fund transfers for fiscal years 2025 through 2029; authorizing a school board to not comply with certain recently enacted state laws or rules.
SF 801: Modifying provisions for teachers licensed in another state to teach in Minnesota.
SF 844: Modifying the allowed uses of student support personnel aid for school districts and charter schools with declining enrollment.
Since last Friday’s MN supreme court ruling, affirming that 68 members are indeed needed for a quorum, no progress has been made toward a resolution on how to convene the House. The main point of contention is the House DFL’s concern over an effort to block the seating of Rep. Brad Tabke, as well as an outstanding special election that could result in a 67-67 tie, potentially requiring a power-sharing agreement. The timeline for the House to reconvene remains uncertain, with no movement expected until DFL and Republican leaders reach a consensus.
Meanwhile, the Senate continues its daily business, with committee hearings and floor sessions proceeding without significant political drama. While the balance of power shifted back in favor of the DFL following the January 28 special election, the possibility of maintaining the power-sharing agreement remains.
Senate Committee hearing updates
Education Policy
The committee spent a day hearing from school district leaders from around the state their ideas and concerns regarding state laws affecting the teacher supply. Issues raised include challenges with the tiered licensure system, out-of-field permission limitations, posting requirements, and PSEO. One of the testifiers included MASE tri-chair Nicole Woodward, from St. Croix River Education District who testified on the need for more flexibility on out-of-field permission limitations and posting requirements. She provided excellent testimony!
The committee also heard SF482, a bill to extend the short-call substitute teacher pilot program to 2027. There was a lengthy discussion about the challenges posed by the required $200 daily rate, which made it difficult for districts to apply for the program. An amendment was adopted to change the rate to $175 for districts in the seven-county metro area and $150 for all other districts. The bill was passed and sent to the Education Finance Committee.
Education Finance Committee
The committee heard testimony from school district leaders from around the state about the impact of mandates passed in the last two years and about funding challenges that lay ahead for school districts.
The committee also received an update on the Student Attendance Pilot and an overview of the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group Report.
The committee also heard and laid over for further discussion, SF133, legislation to expand the allowable uses for student support personnel aid to include costs for transportation, equipment, supplies, personnel training, and efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated state budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
April 11 (starting at noon) – April 21 (returning at noon): Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with MASE’s legislative platform, other bills that are likely to be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
SF 676: Requiring notice of violent school incidents; prohibiting retaliation for reporting.
SF 507: Requiring districts to adopt policies and processes to assist parents who require language assistance; requiring reasonable accommodation for parents of children with disabilities.
SF 771: Modifying the Read Act; canceling appropriations; providing for education innovation; modifying innovation zone provisions; modifying P-TECH approval process; recodifying and reorganizing education innovation; establishing an Office of Achievement and Innovation in the Department of Education; modifying equity, diversity, and inclusion appropriation; requiring the commissioner to establish a school performance report system; authorizing certain fund transfers for fiscal years 2025 through 2029; authorizing a school board to not comply with certain recently enacted state laws or rules.
SF 801: Modifying provisions for teachers licensed in another state to teach in Minnesota.
SF 844: Modifying the allowed uses of student support personnel aid for school districts and charter schools with declining enrollment.
Session update - week of February 3, 2025
Week of February 2, 2025
House of Representatives Convenes
House DFL and Republican leaders have reached a power-sharing agreement, ending a three-week stalemate that had paralyzed the chamber. The agreement establishes leadership roles, the seating of Representative Brad Tabke, and the management of committees leading up to and following the March 11 special election.
Under the agreement, Republican Leader Rep. Lisa Demuth will serve as Speaker of the House for the biennium, and Rep. Brad Tabke is seated. Until the March 11 special election, Republicans will control and chair committees. If the special election results in a tied chamber, committees will be co-chaired by both parties, with equal membership between Republicans and Democrats.
The House was convened on Thursday afternoon and is duly organized. Committees are expected to begin next week. Click here to see Education Finance Committee membership and click here to see House Education Policy Committee membership.
Senate DFL Regains Majority
While there was speculation that the power-sharing agreement would continue after the January 28 special election, Senate DFL proceeded this week to operate under standard majority rule, with the DFL now holding a one-seat advantage.
Senate Committee Hearing Updates
Education Policy
On Monday, the committee heard an overview on the report by the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group along with an update on the student attendance pilot projects.
Wednesday's hearing, the final one under the power-sharing agreement, focused on school safety and included several bills addressing parental notification and reporting incidents of fights on school grounds (SF371, SF557, and SF676). Testimony was provided by the MN Association of Secondary School Principals outlining concerns, and the bills were laid over for further consideration.
Education Finance Committee
The committee received an overview from MDE on the federal education funds Minnesota receives and heard updates from independent and faith-based schools about their concerns.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated state budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
April 11 (starting at noon) – April 21 (returning at noon): Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with the legislative platform, other bills that are likely to be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
SF880: Establishing the funding for success incentive aid program; appropriating money.
SF1056: Requiring a district advisory committee to comply with chapter 13D and give notice of meetings.
SF1086: Increasing the general education basic formula allowance by an additional three percent per year.
SF1125: Increasing special education and English learner cross subsidy aid by the increase in the Consumer Price Index.
HF6: Modifying the Read Act; canceling appropriations; providing for education innovation; modifying innovation zone provisions; modifying P-TECH approval process; recodifying and reorganizing education innovation; establishing an Office of Achievement and Innovation in the Department of Education; modifying equity, diversity, and inclusion appropriation; requiring the commissioner to establish a school performance report system; authorizing certain fund transfers for fiscal years 2025 through 2029; authorizing a school board to not comply with certain recently enacted state laws or rules.
HF11: Delaying the implementation of the Minnesota Paid Leave Law by one year.
HF19: Establishing education savings accounts.
House of Representatives Convenes
House DFL and Republican leaders have reached a power-sharing agreement, ending a three-week stalemate that had paralyzed the chamber. The agreement establishes leadership roles, the seating of Representative Brad Tabke, and the management of committees leading up to and following the March 11 special election.
Under the agreement, Republican Leader Rep. Lisa Demuth will serve as Speaker of the House for the biennium, and Rep. Brad Tabke is seated. Until the March 11 special election, Republicans will control and chair committees. If the special election results in a tied chamber, committees will be co-chaired by both parties, with equal membership between Republicans and Democrats.
The House was convened on Thursday afternoon and is duly organized. Committees are expected to begin next week. Click here to see Education Finance Committee membership and click here to see House Education Policy Committee membership.
Senate DFL Regains Majority
While there was speculation that the power-sharing agreement would continue after the January 28 special election, Senate DFL proceeded this week to operate under standard majority rule, with the DFL now holding a one-seat advantage.
Senate Committee Hearing Updates
Education Policy
On Monday, the committee heard an overview on the report by the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group along with an update on the student attendance pilot projects.
Wednesday's hearing, the final one under the power-sharing agreement, focused on school safety and included several bills addressing parental notification and reporting incidents of fights on school grounds (SF371, SF557, and SF676). Testimony was provided by the MN Association of Secondary School Principals outlining concerns, and the bills were laid over for further consideration.
Education Finance Committee
The committee received an overview from MDE on the federal education funds Minnesota receives and heard updates from independent and faith-based schools about their concerns.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated state budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
April 11 (starting at noon) – April 21 (returning at noon): Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with the legislative platform, other bills that are likely to be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
SF880: Establishing the funding for success incentive aid program; appropriating money.
SF1056: Requiring a district advisory committee to comply with chapter 13D and give notice of meetings.
SF1086: Increasing the general education basic formula allowance by an additional three percent per year.
SF1125: Increasing special education and English learner cross subsidy aid by the increase in the Consumer Price Index.
HF6: Modifying the Read Act; canceling appropriations; providing for education innovation; modifying innovation zone provisions; modifying P-TECH approval process; recodifying and reorganizing education innovation; establishing an Office of Achievement and Innovation in the Department of Education; modifying equity, diversity, and inclusion appropriation; requiring the commissioner to establish a school performance report system; authorizing certain fund transfers for fiscal years 2025 through 2029; authorizing a school board to not comply with certain recently enacted state laws or rules.
HF11: Delaying the implementation of the Minnesota Paid Leave Law by one year.
HF19: Establishing education savings accounts.
Session update - week of February 10, 2025
Legislative Session Returns to Regular Order
Now that the House is fully operational, activity at the Capitol is gaining momentum. This week saw the continuation of official committee hearings, bill introductions, and floor sessions in both chambers. The Senate passed SF334, on a unanimous vote. This bill extends the reduction in required instructional hours for elementary schools by one year and expands it to secondary schools, allowing time for mandatory Read Act training. SF 334 now awaits action in the House.
Committee Hearing Updates
Senate Education Policy
The committee reviewed SF508, a bill requiring school districts to implement policies prohibiting cell phone use in grades K-8 and restricting their use in classrooms for grades 9-12. The bill includes exceptions for medical needs, students with an IEP, or cases approved at the discretion of the school principal. After discussion, the committee laid the bill over for further consideration.
Senate Education Finance
This week, the committee continued its series of overviews on key topics. Members received a Read Act update, including a report from MDE and insights from teachers, curriculum leaders, and superintendents on their experiences at the district and classroom levels. Additionally, the committee heard an overview from MDE on the universal meals program.
Senate Taxes
The committee heard a series of bills to allow specific school districts a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials.
House Education Policy
This week the committee heard an overview from the Office of the Legislative Auditor regarding oversight of Feeding Our Future.
The committee also heard, and passed on to the Education Finance Committee, HF6, which s allows districts to implement innovative programs without approval from the commissioner, transfer funds among accounts and funds, opt out of complying with specific laws enacted in 2023 and 2024, and amends provisions relating to the Read Act. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the House Education Finance Committee next week.
House Education Finance
This week the committee heard an overview from MDE on the Governor’s education budget recommendations. The committee also heard public testimony, including input from education organizations, highlighting concerns over various budget reductions proposed by the Governor. Heidi Nistler from St. Paul Public Schools testified on behalf of MASE about concerns to reductions in special education transportation aid.
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development
Legislation to delay the Paid Leave implementation date for one year was heard and passed to its next committee stop. Those testifying in support of the bill included the Becker School District superintendent, Jeremy Schmidt.
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with the legislative platform, other bills that are likely to be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
HF31, Adjusting school compensatory revenue calculations, modifying site-based spending rules, establishing a task force, updating Read Act training requirements, funding teacher training, and increasing summer term unemployment aid.
HF56, Creating a safe schools aid; repealing student support personnel aid; appropriating money.
HF57, Increasing special education cross-subsidy aid.
HF61, Modifying requirements for students with mental illness; requiring mental health instruction; providing for youth sports program training on mental illness and suicide prevention; reinstating restrictive procedures work group.
HF515, Increasing the general education basic formula allowance by an additional three percent per year.
HF630, Extending the short-call substitute teacher pilot program.
HF744, Modifying professional development requirements for Read Act implementation.
HF745, Calculating a school's compensatory revenue eligibility using both direct certification and the application of education benefits; modifying the percent of compensatory revenue spent at each site under certain conditions; establishing a Compensatory Revenue Task Force.
SF1275: Linking extended time revenue to increases in the general education basic formula allowance.
SF1336: Allowing a school year to start before Labor Day for two school years.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
Week of April 14: Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
June 30: State fiscal year-end
Now that the House is fully operational, activity at the Capitol is gaining momentum. This week saw the continuation of official committee hearings, bill introductions, and floor sessions in both chambers. The Senate passed SF334, on a unanimous vote. This bill extends the reduction in required instructional hours for elementary schools by one year and expands it to secondary schools, allowing time for mandatory Read Act training. SF 334 now awaits action in the House.
Committee Hearing Updates
Senate Education Policy
The committee reviewed SF508, a bill requiring school districts to implement policies prohibiting cell phone use in grades K-8 and restricting their use in classrooms for grades 9-12. The bill includes exceptions for medical needs, students with an IEP, or cases approved at the discretion of the school principal. After discussion, the committee laid the bill over for further consideration.
Senate Education Finance
This week, the committee continued its series of overviews on key topics. Members received a Read Act update, including a report from MDE and insights from teachers, curriculum leaders, and superintendents on their experiences at the district and classroom levels. Additionally, the committee heard an overview from MDE on the universal meals program.
Senate Taxes
The committee heard a series of bills to allow specific school districts a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials.
House Education Policy
This week the committee heard an overview from the Office of the Legislative Auditor regarding oversight of Feeding Our Future.
The committee also heard, and passed on to the Education Finance Committee, HF6, which s allows districts to implement innovative programs without approval from the commissioner, transfer funds among accounts and funds, opt out of complying with specific laws enacted in 2023 and 2024, and amends provisions relating to the Read Act. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the House Education Finance Committee next week.
House Education Finance
This week the committee heard an overview from MDE on the Governor’s education budget recommendations. The committee also heard public testimony, including input from education organizations, highlighting concerns over various budget reductions proposed by the Governor. Heidi Nistler from St. Paul Public Schools testified on behalf of MASE about concerns to reductions in special education transportation aid.
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development
Legislation to delay the Paid Leave implementation date for one year was heard and passed to its next committee stop. Those testifying in support of the bill included the Becker School District superintendent, Jeremy Schmidt.
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with the legislative platform, other bills that are likely to be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
HF31, Adjusting school compensatory revenue calculations, modifying site-based spending rules, establishing a task force, updating Read Act training requirements, funding teacher training, and increasing summer term unemployment aid.
HF56, Creating a safe schools aid; repealing student support personnel aid; appropriating money.
HF57, Increasing special education cross-subsidy aid.
HF61, Modifying requirements for students with mental illness; requiring mental health instruction; providing for youth sports program training on mental illness and suicide prevention; reinstating restrictive procedures work group.
HF515, Increasing the general education basic formula allowance by an additional three percent per year.
HF630, Extending the short-call substitute teacher pilot program.
HF744, Modifying professional development requirements for Read Act implementation.
HF745, Calculating a school's compensatory revenue eligibility using both direct certification and the application of education benefits; modifying the percent of compensatory revenue spent at each site under certain conditions; establishing a Compensatory Revenue Task Force.
SF1275: Linking extended time revenue to increases in the general education basic formula allowance.
SF1336: Allowing a school year to start before Labor Day for two school years.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
Week of April 14: Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
June 30: State fiscal year-end
Session update - week of February 17, 2025
Legislative activity is increasing and although committees are hearing more bills, the pace is slower than usual. The House is beginning to find its footing, though members are still readjusting after the delayed start and awaiting the outcome of the March 11th special election. That election can shift the balance of power again, potentially resulting in another tie. The Senate, meanwhile, is proceeding at a more deliberate pace, content to wait for the budget forecast on March 6th.
Committee Hearing Updates
Senate Education Policy
The committee heard SF507, mandating school districts to adopt policies and processes to assist parents who need language assistance and accommodations needed due to a disability. MASE lobbyist, Valerie Dosland, testified to concerns about the bill. No action was taken. Additionally, MASE met with the bill author to outline concerns and will continue to work with the author to resolve those concerns.
House Education Policy
The committee heard two bills to roll back new standards requirements. They include HF29, which repeals the ethnic studies requirement enacted in 2023 and suspends implementation of revised social studies standards, and HF65, the bill to repeal the requirement for MDE to adopt state standards and allow local standards instead.
House Education Finance
This week, the committee heard HF6, the bill to allow districts to implement innovative programs without approval from the commissioner, transfer funds among accounts and funds, opt out of complying with specific laws enacted in 2023 and 2024, and amends provisions relating to the Read Act. The bill is headed to the Ways and Means Committee, its last stop before the full House votes on the proposal. The Senate companion has not received a hearing.
MASE Priority Bills Introductions
SF1668: Exempting certain out-of-field permissions from limit on renewals.
SF1591: Modifying the age for a child with a disability to receive special instruction and services.
HF1052, Modifying student discipline provisions.
Other Bills Introductions of Interest
HF803, Modifying eligibility criteria for the voluntary prekindergarten program.
HF875, Expanding the allowable uses of student support personnel aid.
HF957, Providing mandate relief for school districts; authorizing certain fund transfers for fiscal years 2025 through 2029; authorizing a school board to opt out of compliance with certain recently enacted state laws or rules.
HF1020, Establishing a developmental delay age limit working group; requiring a report.
HF1030,Requiring reporting of student attendance.
HF1053, Encouraging reenrollment after student withdrawal from school; requiring notification and resources for the family of an unenrolled child.
HF1054, Requiring student attendance data in school performance reports.
HF1099, Reducing the share of unreimbursed special education aid paid by the resident school district to a charter school; increasing the state portion of special education aid for unreimbursed charter school expenditures.
HF1124, Allowing a school year to start before Labor Day for two school years; requiring a report.
HF1194, Linking extended time revenue to increases in the general education basic formula allowance, appropriating money.
HF1284, Allowing school district noncompliance with unfunded mandates.
HF1306,MDE policy bill.
HF1325, Modifying earned sick and safe time.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
Week of April 14: Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
June 30: State fiscal year-end
Committee Hearing Updates
Senate Education Policy
The committee heard SF507, mandating school districts to adopt policies and processes to assist parents who need language assistance and accommodations needed due to a disability. MASE lobbyist, Valerie Dosland, testified to concerns about the bill. No action was taken. Additionally, MASE met with the bill author to outline concerns and will continue to work with the author to resolve those concerns.
House Education Policy
The committee heard two bills to roll back new standards requirements. They include HF29, which repeals the ethnic studies requirement enacted in 2023 and suspends implementation of revised social studies standards, and HF65, the bill to repeal the requirement for MDE to adopt state standards and allow local standards instead.
House Education Finance
This week, the committee heard HF6, the bill to allow districts to implement innovative programs without approval from the commissioner, transfer funds among accounts and funds, opt out of complying with specific laws enacted in 2023 and 2024, and amends provisions relating to the Read Act. The bill is headed to the Ways and Means Committee, its last stop before the full House votes on the proposal. The Senate companion has not received a hearing.
MASE Priority Bills Introductions
SF1668: Exempting certain out-of-field permissions from limit on renewals.
SF1591: Modifying the age for a child with a disability to receive special instruction and services.
HF1052, Modifying student discipline provisions.
Other Bills Introductions of Interest
HF803, Modifying eligibility criteria for the voluntary prekindergarten program.
HF875, Expanding the allowable uses of student support personnel aid.
HF957, Providing mandate relief for school districts; authorizing certain fund transfers for fiscal years 2025 through 2029; authorizing a school board to opt out of compliance with certain recently enacted state laws or rules.
HF1020, Establishing a developmental delay age limit working group; requiring a report.
HF1030,Requiring reporting of student attendance.
HF1053, Encouraging reenrollment after student withdrawal from school; requiring notification and resources for the family of an unenrolled child.
HF1054, Requiring student attendance data in school performance reports.
HF1099, Reducing the share of unreimbursed special education aid paid by the resident school district to a charter school; increasing the state portion of special education aid for unreimbursed charter school expenditures.
HF1124, Allowing a school year to start before Labor Day for two school years; requiring a report.
HF1194, Linking extended time revenue to increases in the general education basic formula allowance, appropriating money.
HF1284, Allowing school district noncompliance with unfunded mandates.
HF1306,MDE policy bill.
HF1325, Modifying earned sick and safe time.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
Week of April 14: Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
June 30: State fiscal year-end
Session update - week of February 24, 2025
Session update - Week of February 24, 2025
Things are moving at the Capitol, but much of the focus is on the upcoming budget forecast, set for release on March 6. Once the legislature has a clearer picture of the state of the budget, they will set budget targets and begin putting their budget bills together.
Legislative leaders announced Friday deadlines that bills must be heard to advance. The first deadline, April 4, applies to policy bills, which must clear all relevant committees by then. The second deadline, April 11, applies to budget bills, meaning we’ll know by that date what the House and Senate plan to advance in their education budget.
On Friday, MDE announced that the adjusted formula allowance for FY26 will be set at $7,481 per adjusted pupil unit, a 2.74% increase, or $200, over FY25. Additional information on the CPI increase will be posted on the MDE website once the February 2025 forecast has been released.
Committee Hearing Updates
Senate Education Policy
The committee heard an overview of the P-20 Partnership and its annual report along with several bills including SF1457 which requires schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans; and SF1462 which transfers from PELSB to MDE the administration for grant programs that focus on increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of the state's teacher workforce; and the MDE policy bill.
March 3, the committee will be hearing MASE’s bill to establish a workgroup to look at extending the developmental delay category to age 9.
And MASE tri-chair, Heidi Nistler, will be providing the committee with an overview on special education. If you would like to watch online, you can go to the committee’s page, and you will see a link to watch the hearing virtually. The committee meets from 12:30-2:30.
House Education Policy
This week the committee heard four bills that address issues raised in the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group. Under HF1030, the report parents currently receive on their child's state assessment performance would also include the student's absences from school for the previous year. HF1053 requires school districts to notify MDE of students dropped for 15+ consecutive absences and assigns MDE responsibility for re-enrollment. HF1054 requires the school performance reports posted by MDE to include student attendance data for the previous school year. HF1413 requires MDE to post consistent attendance data for each school year no later than September 1 of the following school year.
The committee also heard HF15 which establishes a grant program for school security systems. The bill was amended so the requirement to include safety plans as part of a district LTFM plan only applies to districts receiving the grant. It was also noted that funding was not available to cooperative school district and the author indicated the bill would be amended to do so. The committee also heard HF22 known as the “Parent's Bill of Rights.”
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with the legislative platform, other bills that may be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
SF1780: Requiring members of the legislative committees on education policy and education finance to observe a teacher or administrator each year.
SF1819: Increasing special education cross-subsidy aid; appropriating money.
SF1830: Allowing for the use of seclusion as a restrictive procedure.
SF1837: Clarifying allowed uses of student support personnel aid.
HF1381, Exempting certain out-of-field permissions from the limit on renewals.
HF1415, Increasing funding for the school unemployment aid account in the special revenue fund; appropriating money.
HF1515, Requiring personal learning plans to include interventions.
HF1538, Appropriating money for teacher apprenticeships; requiring a report.
HF1719, Allowing students to complete state assessments remotely; appropriating money.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
April 4: Policy bill deadline
April 11: Budget bill deadline
Week of April 14: Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment
Things are moving at the Capitol, but much of the focus is on the upcoming budget forecast, set for release on March 6. Once the legislature has a clearer picture of the state of the budget, they will set budget targets and begin putting their budget bills together.
Legislative leaders announced Friday deadlines that bills must be heard to advance. The first deadline, April 4, applies to policy bills, which must clear all relevant committees by then. The second deadline, April 11, applies to budget bills, meaning we’ll know by that date what the House and Senate plan to advance in their education budget.
On Friday, MDE announced that the adjusted formula allowance for FY26 will be set at $7,481 per adjusted pupil unit, a 2.74% increase, or $200, over FY25. Additional information on the CPI increase will be posted on the MDE website once the February 2025 forecast has been released.
Committee Hearing Updates
Senate Education Policy
The committee heard an overview of the P-20 Partnership and its annual report along with several bills including SF1457 which requires schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans; and SF1462 which transfers from PELSB to MDE the administration for grant programs that focus on increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of the state's teacher workforce; and the MDE policy bill.
March 3, the committee will be hearing MASE’s bill to establish a workgroup to look at extending the developmental delay category to age 9.
And MASE tri-chair, Heidi Nistler, will be providing the committee with an overview on special education. If you would like to watch online, you can go to the committee’s page, and you will see a link to watch the hearing virtually. The committee meets from 12:30-2:30.
House Education Policy
This week the committee heard four bills that address issues raised in the Student Attendance and Truancy Legislative Study Group. Under HF1030, the report parents currently receive on their child's state assessment performance would also include the student's absences from school for the previous year. HF1053 requires school districts to notify MDE of students dropped for 15+ consecutive absences and assigns MDE responsibility for re-enrollment. HF1054 requires the school performance reports posted by MDE to include student attendance data for the previous school year. HF1413 requires MDE to post consistent attendance data for each school year no later than September 1 of the following school year.
The committee also heard HF15 which establishes a grant program for school security systems. The bill was amended so the requirement to include safety plans as part of a district LTFM plan only applies to districts receiving the grant. It was also noted that funding was not available to cooperative school district and the author indicated the bill would be amended to do so. The committee also heard HF22 known as the “Parent's Bill of Rights.”
Bills Introductions of Interest
Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list but instead a list of bills aligned with the legislative platform, other bills that may be heard, or that you might hear about locally.
SF1780: Requiring members of the legislative committees on education policy and education finance to observe a teacher or administrator each year.
SF1819: Increasing special education cross-subsidy aid; appropriating money.
SF1830: Allowing for the use of seclusion as a restrictive procedure.
SF1837: Clarifying allowed uses of student support personnel aid.
HF1381, Exempting certain out-of-field permissions from the limit on renewals.
HF1415, Increasing funding for the school unemployment aid account in the special revenue fund; appropriating money.
HF1515, Requiring personal learning plans to include interventions.
HF1538, Appropriating money for teacher apprenticeships; requiring a report.
HF1719, Allowing students to complete state assessments remotely; appropriating money.
Important Dates
March 6: Updated budget forecast
March 31: Eid break
April 4: Policy bill deadline
April 11: Budget bill deadline
Week of April 14: Easter/Passover break
May 19: Constitutional adjournment