This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 123B.44, to enhance the provision of counseling services for elementary pupils in nonpublic schools. It requires that nonpublic school pupils receive the same health services as public school pupils and introduces specific provisions for elementary counseling services. The bill stipulates that the commissioner of education will allot funds to school districts for these services, with the allotment for elementary counseling not exceeding the average expenditure per public school elementary pupil. Additionally, it establishes that the maximum allotments for health and counseling services will be computed based on the average public school expenditures.

The bill also includes appropriations from the general fund to the Department of Education for nonpublic pupil aid, ensuring that funding is available for the implementation of these services. The effective date for these changes is set for state aid for fiscal year 2026 and later, indicating a future implementation timeline for the new provisions. Overall, the bill aims to provide equitable access to essential counseling services for nonpublic school students, aligning them more closely with the services available to public school students.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 123B.44