Legislators returned to the Capitol last week following the Easter and Passover break and are now entering the final stretch of the 2026 session. With policy committee deadlines in the rearview mirror and just over a month until the May 18 adjournment, legislators now have this week to finish work on major finance bills ahead of the April 17 deadline. Attention has turned to assembling omnibus bills, though there is still uncertainty about whether agreements on a supplemental budget will be reached this year.
Committee Updates:
Senate Education Finance Committee
The committee heard legislation to provide an unspecified amount for one-time school safety aid to school districts, intermediate school districts, and other cooperative districts, as well as charter schools. The bill also provides one-time grants to non-public schools.
The committee also heard SF3969, establishing a new grooming criminal offense.
SF3625 is the policy bill advanced by PELSB, which includes a provision providing additional flexibility for Tier 2 teachers to meet requirements for enrollment in teacher preparation programs.
The committee received a walkthrough by MDE of the Governor's Education Budget recommendations. The committee also took public testimony on the governor’s recommendations. MASE member Heidi Nistler from St. Paul Public Schools testified on behalf of MASE, voicing strong opposition to the additional reductions in special education.
House Education Finance Committee
The committee took up one bill, HF3119, which establishes statewide minimum salary levels for teachers and non-licensed staff beginning in FY27, creates a statewide Educator Group Insurance Program (EGIP), and directs the Legislative Budget Office to conduct a comprehensive survey of school district health insurance programs and employer and employee health insurance costs. No action was taken on the bill and given the tie, it is not expected to advance this session.
Important Dates
April 17, 2026: Third Committee Deadline
May 18, 2026: Adjournment of Legislative Session
Helpful Links
For updates on activities at the House of Representatives, visit the House Session Daily website.
For updates on activities at the Senate, visit Senate Media Services.
To follow committee hearings, visit the Combined Committee Schedule.
To watch House committee and floor sessions, visit the House of Representatives YouTube Channel.
To watch Senate committee and floor sessions, visit the Senate YouTube Channel.
Current list of Legislative Retirements
