MN HF620

Requires school districts to provide a minimum of 16 hours of paid orientation or professional development annually to all paraprofessionals, Title I aides, and other instructional support staff, with 8 hours completed before the first instructional day or within 30 days of hire.

Mandates that paraprofessionals receive paid time or school day time to review individualized education programs or receive briefing on student-specific needs before working alone with a student with a disability.

Requires at least 50 percent of professional development for paraprofessionals who provide direct support to students be dedicated to meeting disability-specific and behavioral needs requirements.

Requires school administrators to provide annual certification of compliance with paraprofessional training requirements to the commissioner of education.

Appropriates funds from the general fund to the commissioner of education for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to cover compensation costs for paid orientation and professional development (specific dollar amounts left blank).