This bill mandates that school districts in Minnesota adopt policies to support parents who require language assistance and those with disabilities in the development of their children's individualized education programs (IEPs). Specifically, it requires districts to create a policy ensuring meaningful participation for parents needing language assistance, which includes processes for requesting translation services, understanding IEP documents, and receiving timely information. Additionally, the bill outlines the necessity for districts to develop a process for identifying parents who need language assistance and to notify them of their rights in a language they understand. The policy must also be accessible on the district's website in multiple languages.
Furthermore, the bill establishes a requirement for districts to provide reasonable accommodations for parents with disabilities, allowing them to participate effectively in the IEP process. It defines "reasonable accommodation" and stipulates that accommodations should not impose undue hardship on the district. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of parents' disability-related information and mandates that all staff involved in special education review the accommodations policy annually. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2025.