MN HF951

Prohibits dismissals of students enrolled in preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten through grade 3 programs under Minnesota Statutes section 121A.425, effective July 1, 2022.

Allows expulsions and exclusions only after nonexclusionary discipline resources have been exhausted and only when an ongoing serious safety threat to the child or others exists.

Requires nonexclusionary discipline to include at least one of: collaborating with family/guardians and support providers, creating a written action plan with parents, or referring students for support services including special education or section 504 evaluations.

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the general fund to the Department of Education in fiscal year 2023 for grants to school districts and charter schools for training staff on nonexclusionary disciplinary practices.

Eligible grantees include school districts, charter schools, intermediate school districts, and cooperative units.