Legislative activity is picking up this week as both the House and Senate began moving their first bills of the 2026 session through floor votes.
A bill heard in the House Education Finance Committee drew considerable attention. HF3490 would opt Minnesota into a new federal scholarship tax credit established under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). The measure would provide a credit of up to $1,700 for donations to tax-exempt scholarship-granting organizations serving Minnesota K–12 students in both private and public schools.
Rep. Andrew Myers, the chief author, argued it is an opportunity to bring more money into Minnesota schools, noting that without it, Minnesotans may contribute to scholarship organizations in other states. The hearing was sharply contested, however, with opponents raising concerns that it functions as a national voucher system directing federal tax dollars toward private schools without the transparency, accountability, and public oversight required of public schools. Another point made is that federal dollars could be better spent fulfilling the federal government's long-unfunded commitment for its share of special education costs.
This bill will be a major sticking point if the House Education Finance Committee is given a budget target.
House Education Policy Committee
The committee heard several bills this week. HF3421 addresses early literacy field experience requirements for teacher candidates providing early literacy instruction. The committee also considered HF3067, which adds meeting core competencies as another way a Title 1 paraprofessional can meet required federal qualifications. MASE member Alexis Mann testified on behalf of MASE. Thanks, Alexis!
Rounding out the agenda was HF3730, the MDE policy bill. This bill does not include any changes to the special education statutes but includes provisions related to aligning state law to McKinney Vento and migratory children.
House Education Finance Committee
This week, the committee had a full agenda. HF3490 would opt Minnesota into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allowing tax credits for scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). Opting into the program would allow taxpayers in Minnesota and other states to receive federal tax credits if they donate to an SGO. SGOs can provide scholarships for things such as private school tuition, room and board, tutoring, special needs services, books, supplies, technology, and transportation costs.
The committee heard HF1099, addressing the share of unreimbursed special education aid paid by resident school districts to charter schools and adjusting the state portion of special education aid for unreimbursed charter school expenditures.
No action was taken and the bills were laid over for further consideration.
Key Bill Introductions
This is not a comprehensive list of all bills introduced. It focuses on key legislation aligned with legislative priorities and bills that may be of interest or concern to school districts.
HF4114, Repealing the contingent reduction in special education aid appropriations
HF4116, Requiring a length of time to elapse before a new education mandate takes effect
HF4181, Modifying the special education teacher pathway program to include related services providers
Important Dates
March 19, 2026: Eid Break
March 27, 2026: First and Second Committee Deadlines
March 27-April 7, 2026: Easter/Passover Break
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
