MN HF2670

Expands early learning scholarship eligibility to children ages birth to five, previously limited to ages three to four on September 1 of the school year.

Eliminates the $5,000 per year scholarship cap for fiscal year 2016 and later, with commissioner establishing target amounts based on rate survey results.

Increases funding for early learning scholarships from $44,134,000 in fiscal year 2016 to $59,884,000 in fiscal year 2017, with up to $950,000 annually for administration.

Adds eligibility categories including children whose parents are under age 21 pursuing high school or GED credentials, children in foster care, children in need of protection or services, and children from families experiencing homelessness in the last 24 months.

Allows siblings ages zero to five of scholarship recipients to automatically receive scholarships upon request if attending the same program, and requires scholarship recipients to continue receiving scholarships yearly until kindergarten eligibility.