Bill > HF19

This bill establishes an Education Savings Account (ESA) program in Minnesota that allows eligible students from low-income households to receive state funding for educational expenses. Eligible students are those from households with annual incomes at or below four times the reduced-price meal income standard, with participation initially capped at 5% of the previous year's public school average daily membership and increasing by 3% annually. Parents can use the ESA funds for various educational expenses such as tuition, tutoring, curriculum materials, textbooks, transportation, online learning programs, standardized tests, educational services, and technology. Students can participate until they graduate high school or turn 21, and any remaining funds can be used for postsecondary education. The Department of Revenue will oversee the program, establish monthly funding amounts equal to the state's per-pupil formula allowance, and create an application process with specific priorities for student selection. The bill includes provisions for fraud prevention, a Parent Review and Advisory Panel, and protections for participating schools' autonomy. The program is set to begin accepting applications in December 2025 for the fall 2026 term, with an emphasis on providing educational options for families, particularly those with lower incomes.

Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0019&ssn=0&y=2025