MN HF2376

Department of Education must establish a grant-funded pilot program starting in the 2025-2026 school year to improve achievement, increase access to general education settings, and address service delivery costs for students with disabilities.

Grantee proposals must address overrepresentation of students of color in restrictive settings, incorporate Universal Design for Learning principles, and include staff training on ableism and disability inclusion.

Program requires collaboration with students, families, community leaders, and the Special Education Advisory Panel to redesign inclusion frameworks measuring performance beyond test scores.

Department of Education must submit reports by July 1, 2026 (effectiveness, best practices, cost-benefit analysis) and July 1, 2027 (comprehensive evaluation with final guidelines and IEP assessment tools).

Appropriation amount from the general fund is unspecified in the bill text, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.