H.F. 51 Summary

• Codifies teacher code of ethics into Minnesota Statutes section 122A.051, requiring teachers to adhere to professional conduct standards including nondiscrimination, student safety protection, confidentiality, appropriate discipline, and prohibition of sexual contact with students.

• Adds 10 specific ethical standards for all licensed teachers covering professional relationships, subject matter integrity, record accuracy, false statements, and proper licensure for teaching positions.

• Repeals the previous code of ethics rule (Minnesota Rules part 8710.2100, subparts 1 and 2) and the prior statutory authority requiring the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to develop ethics rules.

• Requires school districts to establish a written complaint process for ethics violations and mandates school boards inform parents and guardians of their ability to submit complaints to the school board.

• Makes the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board responsible for advising the profession on code of ethics interpretation and forwarding school district complaints to the board.