MN HF2536

School districts may pay driver education providers $300 per student qualifying for free lunch, $200 per student qualifying for reduced-price lunch, and $100 for any other student ages 15-19, with providers charging students for remaining costs.

Commissioner of education must reimburse school districts annually for total amounts paid to driver education program providers in the previous fiscal year.

Driver education fees charged to students may not exceed actual district costs reduced by payments received under the grant program, and courses must be open to students ages 15-18 residing or attending school in the district.

Commissioners of education, public safety, and employment and economic development must establish a work group to study driver education availability, geographic access, barriers for low-income students, and permanent funding sources.

Work group must submit a written report by February 1, 2024 to legislative committees with recommendations to increase student access to driver education and establish a permanent funding mechanism for low-income students.