Bill > SF1345

This bill modifies the eligibility criteria for Minnesota's voluntary prekindergarten program by making a small but significant change to the list of qualifying factors for children. Specifically, the bill removes the broad "at-risk" definition previously used by school districts and adds a new qualifying criterion for children who have a parent who is incarcerated. The bill maintains the existing core eligibility requirements that a child must be four years old by September 1st and meet at least one of several specific criteria, such as qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, being an English language learner, being American Indian, experiencing homelessness, being in foster care, or having other specific family circumstances. The legislation continues to require that school districts and charter schools use state funding for eligible children when available, and allows children who do not meet eligibility criteria to participate on a sliding-fee basis. The bill also preserves existing requirements for health screenings, immunizations, and ensures that children with individualized education programs are not automatically excluded from the program if they can participate with reasonable accommodations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1345&ssn=0&y=2025