This bill focuses on enhancing education finance and employee benefits within Minnesota's school systems. Key provisions include the establishment of a minimum starting salary of $25 per hour for nonlicensed school personnel, the requirement for paid orientation and professional development for paraprofessionals, and the stipulation that school districts or charter schools must continue to pay employees during school closures due to weather events or public health emergencies. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts participate in employee health care cost sharing, contributing a significant percentage towards health insurance premiums for both single and family coverage.

The bill also introduces new legal language to existing statutes, such as requiring consultation with employee representatives when creating training programs and ensuring that charter schools provide paid leave for school closures. Furthermore, it amends existing laws to enhance the training requirements for paraprofessionals, ensuring they receive at least 16 hours of paid professional development annually. The effective dates for these provisions are set for the day following final enactment, with specific health insurance provisions taking effect on July 1, 2024. The bill includes appropriations from the general fund to support these initiatives, particularly for nonlicensed personnel and paraprofessional training.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 125A.08, 471.61
1st Engrossment: 471.61