This bill establishes a new system for providing stipends to student teachers in Minnesota, as outlined in the proposed new section 122A.78 of the Minnesota Statutes. The commissioner of education is tasked with developing this system, which will ensure that teacher candidates completing their student teaching requirements receive financial support. Student teachers will be classified as temporary employees and will not be eligible for local bargaining unit membership or benefits. The stipends will be distributed in two payments: half at the beginning and half at the conclusion of the student teaching experience, with host schools being reimbursed by the Department of Education.

Additionally, the bill specifies that these stipends will not be considered income or assets for various assistance programs, including child care assistance, general assistance, and housing support, ensuring that student teachers can receive financial aid without jeopardizing their eligibility for these programs. The bill also includes an appropriation of $18,526,000 from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal year 2026 and beyond to support the stipend program. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, or upon federal approval, whichever is later.