MN HF58

Prohibits disciplinary dismissals of students enrolled in preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten through grade 3 programs, effective July 1, 2023.

Allows expulsions and exclusions only as a last resort after nonexclusionary discipline resources are exhausted and only when there is an ongoing serious safety threat to the child or others.

Requires nonexclusionary discipline to include at least one of the following: collaboration with family or mental health providers, a written plan with parents detailing needed support, or referral for support services including special education evaluation.

Appropriates unspecified amounts from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to provide grants for staff training on nonexclusionary disciplinary practices.

Makes grants available to school districts, charter schools, intermediate school districts, and cooperative units to develop and implement training on nonexclusionary discipline that keeps students in classrooms.