This bill seeks to improve education finance in Minnesota by increasing funding for school safety and modifying eligibility for state-paid free school lunches. It establishes that free school lunches will be available only to families with incomes at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The bill introduces new definitions and standards for meal eligibility, including "enhanced student eligibility standard" and "enhanced student meal," which apply to families earning between 185 and 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Additionally, it amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes related to school meals policies and local optional revenue.

Moreover, the bill creates a framework for safe schools revenue, specifying funding amounts for different types of schools based on adjusted pupil units. It mandates that this revenue be allocated for safety-related expenses, such as salaries for peace officers and drug abuse prevention programs, and emphasizes contracting with local law enforcement for these services. The bill also includes appropriations from the general fund to the Department of Education for safe schools aid and additional local optional aid, with many provisions set to take effect in fiscal year 2027 and later, ensuring a phased implementation of the new funding structures and eligibility criteria.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 124D.111, 126C.10, 126C.44