MN SF808

School districts may pay driver education providers $300 per student qualifying for free lunch, $200 per student qualifying for reduced-price lunch, and $100 for other students, with providers able to charge remaining costs to students.

Commissioner of education must reimburse school districts annually for total amounts paid to driver education program providers in the previous fiscal year.

Driver education fees charged to students cannot exceed actual costs reduced by amounts received under the grant program, and courses must be open to enrollment for persons ages 15-18 residing or attending school in the district.

Commissioners of education, public safety, and employment and economic development must establish a work group to study driver education availability, analyze geographic accessibility, identify barriers for low-income students, and recommend permanent funding sources.

Work group must submit written report to legislature by February 1, 2018 describing current driver education status and recommending changes to increase student access and establish permanent funding for low-income students.