This bill aims to enhance education finance in Minnesota by establishing a new Safe Schools Aid program for school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units, while repealing the existing Student Support Personnel Aid. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 126C.44, to include provisions for safe schools aid, which will provide funding based on a set allowance per pupil unit, with specific amounts designated for school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units. For instance, the safe schools aid allowance is set at $34.32 for school districts and charter schools, and $1.60 for cooperative units, effective for fiscal year 2027 and later. Additionally, the bill outlines the allowable uses of the safe schools revenue, which includes funding for security measures, mental health support, and other safety-related initiatives.

The bill also includes a repeal of the Student Support Personnel Aid under Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 124D.901, and reallocates some of its intended uses to the new Safe Schools Aid framework. The appropriations for the Safe Schools Aid program are specified, with $41,184,000 allocated for fiscal year 2027. Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions for the use of safe schools revenue, allowing for a broader range of expenditures aimed at improving school safety and student support services. The effective dates for various sections of the bill are also established, with some provisions taking effect immediately upon enactment and others starting in fiscal year 2026 or later.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 126C.44