MN SF2714

Creates a five-year pilot Education Savings Accounts (ESA) program for students in low-performing schools with family income at or below 175 percent of the poverty level, effective 2016-2017 through 2020-2021 school years.

Deposits funds into individual ESAs based on statewide average general education revenue per adjusted pupil unit plus attributable special education aid, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting July 1, 2016.

Allows parents to use ESA funds for qualifying educational expenses including tuition at nonpublic schools, tutoring, curriculum, online learning, standardized testing, postsecondary institution costs, and up to $300 annually in school supplies.

Requires participating students to not enroll in public or charter schools and acknowledge they forfeit entitlement to free public education, including special education services, while in the program.

Establishes oversight mechanisms including quarterly ESA card payments, random audits, fraud reporting systems, and sanctions for misuse including temporary suspension, removal from the program, or referral to law enforcement after three violations within three years.