MN HF1431

Creates choice scholarship program for Minnesota high school dropouts aged 16+ with household income not exceeding 150% of federal free/reduced lunch threshold, limited to 1,500 scholarships in 2015-2016 and 3,000 in 2016-2017

Eligible students may use scholarships at accredited nonpublic high schools or postsecondary institutions in Minnesota; scholarship amount equals the lesser of actual tuition or 90-50% of state tuition support depending on income level

Nonpublic eligible schools retain autonomy over curriculum, religious instruction, hiring, and other operations, with state oversight limited to random audits of at least 5% of schools and annual principal certifications

Scholarship funds may be distributed to either eligible students or parents; scholarship amounts are not counted as income for other state or federal benefit programs

Directs Department of Education to adopt rules and provides general fund appropriations for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 (amounts to be determined)