MN HF2326

Establishes "approved recovery programs" as courses of instruction offering academic services, recovery assistance, and continuing care to students recovering from substance abuse or dependency, with programs requiring commissioner of education approval.

Creates recovery program support staff aid equal to 20 percent of the salary for licensed alcohol and chemical dependency counselors, school counselors, psychologists, nurses, and social workers, prorated for time spent in the program.

Provides pupil transportation aid for recovery program students: Metro Transit quarterly pass for seven-county metro area residents, or actual cost/15 cents per mile (whichever is less) for other students.

Allows students in approved recovery programs to be counted as up to 1.7 pupils in average daily membership for funding purposes (versus 1.2 for regular students), with recovery program revenue based on the difference between 1.2 and 1.7 pupil units.

Appropriates funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2015 for general education aid, support staff aid, and transportation reimbursements related to approved recovery programs.