MN SF3268

Amends the Innovation Research Zone Pilot Program established in Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section 52 to modify its structure and operations.

Changes the panel name from "Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel" to "Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel" with updated composition and meeting requirements, including at least annual meetings to review submitted plans.

Clarifies that school districts and charter schools participating in innovation zones continue to receive all revenue, maintain taxation authority, and remain governed by their respective school boards with employees remaining employed by their original district or school.

Allows innovation zones to be exempt from specified state education laws and rules identified in their approved plans, including online learning program approval, extended time revenue restrictions, and required instruction hours if students meet competencies.

Requires participating partnerships to submit project data to the commissioner and mandates biennial analysis of each zone's progress, with summary reports submitted to legislative education committees by February 1 of each odd-numbered year.