MN HF4181

Expands Minnesota's special education teacher pathway grant program to include "related services providers," defined as school counselors, school nurses, school psychologists, school social workers, and school speech-language pathologists

School districts, charter schools, Tribal contract schools, and cooperative units may apply for grants to support employees pursuing Tier 3 or Tier 4 licensure in special education or related services fields

Grant funds may be used for tuition assistance, stipends, mentoring, licensure test preparation, technology support, and participant recruitment

Commissioner must prioritize grants for participants advancing from Tier 1 or Tier 2 to Tier 3 special education licenses, and must distribute grants equally between greater Minnesota and metropolitan area applicants when possible

Up to $175,000 annually is appropriated for program administration, with grant recipients allowed to use funds over a period of up to 60 months; effective date is July 1, 2026