Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1318

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/6/23  
Refer
2/15/24  

Caption

School employee health insurance authorization; nonlicensed school personnel minimum starting salary increase; paid orientation and professional development for paraprofessionals authorization; appropriating money

Impact

The enactment of SF1318 would significantly influence state education laws by mandating school districts and charter schools to contribute a substantial portion of health insurance premiums for their employees. Additionally, it establishes a minimum wage for nonlicensed school personnel, thereby directly impacting the financial outlook for schools and their ability to attract and retain quality staff. Moreover, the bill highlights the need for specialized training for paraprofessionals, reflecting a commitment to creating a competent workforce capable of meeting diverse student needs, such as those of children with disabilities. This training requirement is aimed at fostering better educational outcomes for students reliant on special services.

Summary

SF1318 is a legislative bill focused on enhancing the funding structure for educational services in Minnesota, primarily through adjustments to employee health insurance provisions, establishing a minimum starting salary for nonlicensed school personnel, and mandating paid orientation and professional development for paraprofessionals. The bill aims to address various inefficiencies in current educational funding and support structures to ensure a higher quality of education for students, particularly those with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of adequately compensating and training staff who play a crucial role in supporting student learning and well-being.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SF1318 appears largely supportive among education advocates and unions, who view the bill as a positive step towards enhancing the support system for educators and indirectly benefiting students. Proponents appreciate the focus on fair compensation and professional development for support staff, especially given the critical role they play in the education system. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the potential financial burden this may place on local school districts, which may need to navigate tight budgets to adhere to the new requirements. Critics may argue about the practicality of implementing these mandates without additional state support, particularly regarding health insurance contributions and salaries.

Contention

Key points of contention concerning SF1318 revolve around the financial implications for varying school districts. While many advocate for improved pay and training standards, the source of funding for these initiatives remains a critical discussion point. Questions arise regarding how districts will manage increased health insurance costs and comply with minimum salary mandates without compromising on other educational resources. Furthermore, as the state pushes for more significant accountability from schools in meeting these new standards, there are worries about the unequal capacity of different districts to comply, especially rural or underfunded urban schools. Thus, the bill opens up a broader dialogue regarding education equity and resource distribution.

Companion Bills

MN HF1348

Similar To Employee health insurance provided, minimum starting salary for nonlicensed school personnel increased, paid orientation and professional development for paraprofessionals provided, and money appropriated.

Previously Filed As

MN HF1348

Employee health insurance provided, minimum starting salary for nonlicensed school personnel increased, paid orientation and professional development for paraprofessionals provided, and money appropriated.

MN SF3929

Grounds for the use of reasonable force in schools modifications, defining duties and establishing minimum training requirements for school resource officers, and appropriating money

MN SF3534

School Resource Officers; public safety provided, grounds for use of reasonable force in schools modified, school resource officer duties defined and minimum training requirements established, school resource officer model policy development required, and money appropriated

MN HF3892

School Resource Officers; grounds for reasonable force in schools modified, duties and minimum training requirements defined and established, and money appropriated.

MN SF5024

Seclusion used in schools authorization

MN HF3489

School Resource Officers; public safety provided, grounds for use of reasonable force in schools modified, school resource officer duties defined and minimum training requirements established, school resource officer model policy development required, and money appropriated.

MN SF502

Paid orientation for paraprofessionals requirement and training appropriation

MN SF4588

Education forecast adjustments authorization and appropriation

MN SF2839

Unreimbursed special education aid paid by the resident school district to a charter school reduction; state portion of special education aid for unreimbursed charter school expenditures increase; appropriating money

MN SF1884

Safe schools revenue increase; state aid authorization; revenue use expansion to include cybersecurity measures authorization; appropriating money

Similar Bills

MN HF1348

Employee health insurance provided, minimum starting salary for nonlicensed school personnel increased, paid orientation and professional development for paraprofessionals provided, and money appropriated.

MN SF502

Paid orientation for paraprofessionals requirement and training appropriation

MN HF620

Paraprofessional paid orientation required.

MN HF3780

Special education; developmental adapted physical education assessment requirements modified, and report required.

MN SF4212

Developmental adapted physical education assessments requirements modification

MN SF5204

Teacher and paraprofessional compensation working group establishment

MN HF5237

Education supplemental budget bill.

MN SF489

Special education formulas modification