MN SF502

Requires school districts to provide paraprofessionals working with students with disabilities a minimum of 16 hours of paid orientation or professional development annually, 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 a student's individualized education program before beginning work alone with that student.

Specifies that at least 50 percent of professional development for paraprofessionals providing direct student support must address disability-specific and behavioral needs, emergency procedures, confidentiality, and reportability.

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 compensate paraprofessionals for paid orientation and professional development (specific dollar amounts left blank in introduced version).