MN HF1528

Establishes a five-year pilot education savings accounts (ESA) program for Minnesota students who attended public or charter schools in the preceding semester, beginning July 1, 2022.

ESA funding equals the statewide average general education revenue per adjusted pupil unit plus any special education aid attributable to the student, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parents may use ESA funds for tuition at eligible nonpublic schools, tutoring, curriculum, transportation, online courses, standardized testing, educational therapies, individual public school classes, postsecondary tuition, up to $300 in annual school supplies, and approved computer hardware and software.

Parents must arrange organized educational services with measurable goals in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science; participating students forfeit entitlement to free public education including special education services while enrolled.

Commissioner of Education oversees program administration including eligibility determinations, issuance of ESA cards, fraud prevention, and may deduct up to six percent of appropriations for administrative costs; eligible nonpublic schools retain autonomy without additional government regulation.