Minnesota House Bill HF1099

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/25
• Refer: 2/19/25

Caption

Share of unreimbursed special education aid paid by the resident school district to a charter school reduced, state portion of special education aid for unreimbursed charter school expenditures increased, and money appropriated.

Impact

Should HF1099 pass, it would significantly alter existing statutes related to the financial responsibilities of school districts versus charter schools in the context of special education. The bill stipulates that beginning with fiscal year 2026, the resident district's special education aid will be adjusted such that 50 percent of the unreimbursed costs incurred for students enrolled in a charter school will be covered by state aid. This adjustment is set to create a more supportive financial framework for charter schools that serve students with special education needs, potentially enabling them to provide better resources and support for these students.

Summary

House File 1099 (HF1099) is a proposed legislation that aims to amend the funding structure for special education within Minnesota’s education system, particularly focusing on the financial interactions between charter schools and resident school districts. This bill seeks to reduce the financial burden on resident school districts regarding unreimbursed special education aid they pay to charter schools. Instead, it proposes to increase the state’s share of special education aid directly allocated for unreimbursed expenses incurred by charter schools. The revisions outlined in this bill are intended to provide a more equitable distribution of funding for special education services across different educational institutions.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussion regarding its implications for local control and the budgets of resident school districts. Critics of HF1099 may argue that adjusting financial responsibilities could lead to budgetary strains on resident districts, thereby impacting their ability to serve the wider population of students. Proponents, however, assert that this bill will foster better educational services for students with disabilities in charter schools. Observers predict that the legislative debate around HF1099 will delve deeply into the complexities of educational finance reform and its potential ripple effects across Minnesota's educational landscape.