MN HF842

School districts must provide direct instruction to deaf and hard-of-hearing students using licensed teachers, with candidates required to demonstrate at least level 4 proficiency in American Sign Language on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview evaluation.

Teachers renewing licenses must complete 30 continuing education clock hours on hearing loss topics including American Sign Language, American Sign Language linguistics, or deaf culture, and demonstrate level 4 proficiency in American Sign Language, effective for renewals beginning July 1, 2027.

The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board must review the oral/aural deaf education license by February 1, 2024, to determine whether it should be discontinued or incorporated into the deaf and hard-of-hearing license, with rule amendments by July 1, 2025.

The commissioner of education must amend eligibility criteria rules for deaf and hard-of-hearing services to include more students with unilateral hearing loss by reducing the threshold from 45 decibels to 35 decibels hearing level, effective immediately upon enactment.