MN SF1429

Changes mediation from voluntary to mandatory for all parties in special education disputes involving identification, evaluation, educational placement, manifestation determination, interim alternative educational placement, or provision of free appropriate public education to children with disabilities

Extends the timeframe for hearing officer decisions from 45 to 90 calendar days of completion of the commissioner's receipt of the due process hearing request, with possible extensions up to 60 additional calendar days

Requires the commissioner to initiate mediation within ten business days of receiving a due process hearing request, with hearing officer appointment delayed until ten days after mediation completion if no agreement is reached

Changes prehearing conference timing from five to fifteen business days and requires hearing officers to schedule evidentiary hearings and order independent educational evaluations at the department's expense

Extends mediation timeline for early intervention service disputes from 30 to 60 calendar days and repeals provisions for expedited due process hearings