MN SF2698

Creates a legislative working group on special education to review delivery models, costs, and recommend policy changes to reduce expenses, with appointments to be made by July 1, 2018.

Working group consists of 12 members: six house members (three appointed by speaker, three by minority leader) and six senators (three appointed by majority leader, three by minority leader), with education committee chairs serving as co-chairs.

Must examine special education service delivery across school districts and cooperatives, state versus federal mandates, enrollment trends, reading instruction effectiveness, Section 504 plan usage, 2013 funding formula changes, and prior legislative auditor recommendations.

Required to consult with stakeholders and develop a ten-year strategic plan to reduce special education costs and cross-subsidies before submitting findings and policy recommendations to the legislature by January 15, 2019.

Working group expires January 16, 2019, unless extended by law; meetings must be open to the public with administrative and technical support provided by the Legislative Coordinating Commission and Minnesota Department of Education.