HF854 Summary

• Eliminates the mandatory conciliation conference requirement for special education disputes by repealing Minnesota Statutes section 125A.091, subdivision 7 and related administrative rules.

• Requires school districts to inform parents of alternative dispute resolution options including mediation and facilitated team meetings instead of requiring at least one conciliation conference.

• Modifies prior written notice requirements to inform parents they may request alternative dispute resolution procedures under subdivision 8 or 9 rather than a conciliation conference under subdivision 7.

• Protects state-provided mediators and team meeting facilitators from subpoena and keeps their records confidential in due process hearings or civil actions.

• Repeals Minnesota Rules part 3525.3700, subparts 1, 1a, and 3, which previously governed when and how conciliation conferences must be conducted.