This bill focuses on enhancing education finance and employee support within Minnesota's school districts and charter schools. Key provisions include the establishment of a minimum starting salary of at least $25 per hour for nonlicensed school personnel, including paraprofessionals, food service employees, and bus drivers. It mandates that school districts provide a minimum of 16 hours of paid orientation and professional development for noninstructional staff, specifically addressing strategies for managing student behavior and compliance with district policies. Additionally, the bill requires that school districts continue to pay employees their full wages during e-learning days and ensures that paraprofessionals receive paid time to review students' individualized education programs.

The bill also introduces new health insurance cost-sharing requirements for school employees, stipulating that districts must cover a significant portion of health insurance premiums for both single and family plans. Furthermore, it includes appropriations for the Department of Education to support the implementation of these provisions, including funding for minimum wage rate aid and training for paraprofessionals. The effective dates for various sections of the bill range from the day following final enactment to July 1, 2023, and for minimum wage rate aid, it will be effective for the 2023-2024 school year and later.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 125A.08, 471.61
1st Engrossment: 120A.414, 125A.08, 471.61
1st Engrossment: 120A.414, 125A.08, 471.61