MN HF482

Creates a choice scholarship program for Minnesota high school dropouts aged 16+ from households earning up to 150% of federal free or reduced-price lunch threshold, allowing enrollment in accredited nonpublic high schools or eligible postsecondary institutions.

Limits scholarships to 1,500 for 2019-2020 school year and 3,000 for 2020-2021 school year, with maximum award equal to the lesser of actual tuition or 90% of state tuition support (for lowest-income students) or 50% of state tuition support (for students up to 150% of lunch threshold).

Prohibits state regulation of participating nonpublic schools' curriculum, religious instruction, teacher hiring, or educational programs while requiring schools to administer statewide testing and submit required data.

Requires department to conduct random visits to at least 5% of eligible schools annually and obtain annual principal certification of program compliance.

Directs department to adopt rulemaking rules and appropriates unspecified funds from the general fund for fiscal years 2020 and 2021.