MN HF552

Redefines categories of disabilities in Minnesota law by updating terminology (e.g., "deaf or hard-of-hearing" instead of "hearing impairment," "developmental cognitive disability" instead of "mental disability," "emotional or behavioral disorder" instead of "emotional/behavioral") effective July 1, 2011.

Expands the age range for special education services from birth until a child becomes 21 years old or receives a regular high school diploma, whichever comes first, and clarifies that if a child turns 21 during the school year, services continue until the end of that school year or diploma receipt.

Establishes that districts must provide or make available special education and related services to every child with a disability who is a resident, removing previous exceptions for suspended or expelled students.

Creates new dispute resolution process requiring the first district where a child with disputed residency tries to enroll to provide special education services while the commissioner expeditiously resolves the residency dispute.

Shortens the timeline for districts to offer conciliation conferences from unspecified to two business days after receiving a parent's objection, and requires the conference to be held within ten calendar days (effective immediately upon enactment).