MN HF508

School districts may dispose of surplus school computers and tablet devices without following competitive bidding requirements by conveying them to another school district, the Department of Corrections, the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, or families of students meeting federal poverty definitions.

School districts may sell or give used computers or tablets to qualifying students when updating or replacing equipment, with prices set by written school board resolution.

Students currently enrolled and intending to enroll in the following year are eligible to apply for computers or tablets.

When demand exceeds availability, schools must first prioritize students whose families qualify for free or reduced-price meals, then distribute remaining devices by lottery.

The bill becomes effective July 1, 2019.