MN SF1313

Establishes a five-year pilot program (2016-2017 through 2020-2021 school years) creating Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) or those qualifying for special education services.

Parents of eligible students must sign an agreement to provide organized educational services in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science, and cannot enroll their child in public or charter schools while participating.

ESA funds may be used for tuition at nonpublic schools, tutoring, curriculum and textbooks, online learning, educational therapies, postsecondary institution costs, testing fees, technology, and up to $300 annually for school supplies.

Commissioner determines funding amounts on a first-come, first-served basis using statewide average general education revenue per adjusted pupil unit plus special education amounts; applications accepted beginning July 1, 2016.

Establishes fraud prevention measures including ESA cards, merchant category classification codes to restrict purchases, audit procedures, suspension protocols for misuse, and removal of students after three offenses within three years.