Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1827

Introduced
3/3/25  

Caption

Service animal support allowed in schools.

Impact

If enacted, HF1827 would necessitate amendments to existing laws under Minnesota Statutes, particularly chapter 125A, which deals with education and special education services. The legislation emphasizes that schools must not only allow the presence of service animals but also provide necessary support for their effective use. In instances where a student requires assistance in managing their service animal, schools are mandated to supply staff or paraprofessional support for various tasks, ensuring that these support measures are integrated into the schools' operational protocols.

Summary

House File 1827 aims to enhance the rights of students with disabilities in educational settings by ensuring that they have access to service animals as part of their support services. The bill prohibits school districts from denying students the use of their service animals, which are recognized as essential for students with disabilities under their individualized education programs. This legislation is in alignment with federal regulations, thereby promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities in a manner that respects their autonomy and individual needs.

Contention

While HF1827 has gained support for its intentions of enhancing access and rights for students with disabilities, there may be operational challenges in its implementation. Some stakeholders could argue about the adequacy of resources available for training staff to handle service animals effectively or about potential liability issues that schools may face when allowing service animals on campus. Furthermore, discussions could arise regarding the balance between accommodating students' needs and ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.

Companion Bills

MN SF256

Similar To Service animal support in school allowance

Previously Filed As

MN HF2291

Prekindergarten through grade 12 provisions modified including general education accountability and transparency, education excellence, American Indian education, charter schools, discipline, teachers, special education, and early learning; and reports required.

MN HF1269

Prekindergarten through grade 12 provisions modified including general education accountability and transparency, education excellence, American Indian education, charter schools, discipline, teachers, special education, and early learning; and reports required.

MN HF3782

Education; prekindergarten through grade 12 education provisions modified including general education, education excellence, teachers, special education, charter schools, nutrition and libraries, health and safety, and state agencies; and reports required.

MN SF1318

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

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 HF465

School health services modified to allow for use of private clinical nursing services, use of functional behavioral assessment modified, and students allowed to participate in alternative delivery of specialized instructional services programs.

MN SF1311

Omnibus Education policy bill

MN HF3495

Mental and behavioral health care provisions modified including service standards, adult and child mental health services grants, substance use disorder services, supportive housing, and provider certification and reimbursement; reports required; and money appropriated.

MN HF2497

Education finance bill.

MN HF1807

Comprehensive services provided to schools identified as in need of comprehensive support under Every Student Succeeds Act, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.