This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.901, subdivision 4, to modify the allowed uses of student support personnel aid specifically for school districts and charter schools experiencing declining enrollment. The new legal language allows these districts to use the aid to maintain existing student support services personnel positions or contracted services, including those established prior to the 2023-2024 school year. A "declining enrollment district" is defined as one where the enrollment on October 1 of the previous fiscal year is less than that of the second previous fiscal year. Furthermore, qualifying districts can allocate aid under this provision for up to four subsequent fiscal years.

Additionally, the bill retains existing provisions that allow the aid to be used for hiring new positions, increasing current positions, or maintaining positions that would otherwise be eliminated. It also permits the use of aid for contracted services if a district or charter school cannot hire a new full-time equivalent position. The effective date for these changes is set for revenue in fiscal year 2026 and later.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 124D.901