MN SF3861

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 125A.76 to add definitions related to special education equity aid, including "essential personnel," "nonfederal special education expenditure," and regional equity classifications.

Creates new section 125A.81 establishing special education equity aid program that provides aid to school districts based on the difference between their special education cross subsidy per pupil and regional averages, capped at $120 per adjusted average daily membership.

Divides districts into two special education equity regions: metro region (districts in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington counties as of January 1, 2012, plus districts with 7,500+ pupils) and rural region (districts outside those counties with fewer than 7,500 pupils).

Appropriates $20,000,000 from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2019 for special education equity aid, with authority to prorate aid if appropriation is insufficient.

Makes amendments effective July 1, 2018, and new special education equity aid section effective July 1, 2018.