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HF 846

Funding provided for grants to intermediate school districts for registered special education apprenticeship programs, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Bakeberg and 6 co-sponsors

HF 846 would fund intermediate districts to establish and expand registered apprenticeship programs in special education, boosting training and credentialing for staff.

Author added Rehrauer
#education-schooldistricts
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Bill Summary · HF 846

Summary of HF 846 (2025-2026 Session, Minnesota)

Purpose

HF 846 provides state funding in the form of grants to intermediate school districts to support registered apprenticeship programs in special education. The bill also designates appropriations related to these grants. The overarching aim is to expand and support workforce development pathways in special education through structured apprenticeship opportunities.

Key Provisions

  • Grant funding for intermediate districts: The bill authorizes the provision of grants to Minnesota intermediate school districts (ISDs). These funds are intended to support registered apprenticeship programs operating within or coordinated by ISDs.
  • Targeted use of funds: Money appropriated under HF 846 is directed toward establishing, expanding, or sustaining registered apprenticeship programs in the field of special education. The exact allowable uses (e.g., stipends, program development, mentor support, training costs, or equipment) would be defined in the implementing language or annual appropriations accompanying the bill.
  • Administration and oversight: As typical for state grant programs, funding would likely be dispensed through an appropriate state department or agency (commonly the Department of Education or a related state body), with application processes, reporting requirements, and performance metrics to ensure accountability and effectiveness of the apprenticeship programs.
  • Eligibility and participants: Eligible recipients are intermediate school districts in Minnesota. Participants would include prospective or current special education professionals (e.g., teachers, aides, or related services staff) who would benefit from registered apprenticeship models designed to credential, train, or upskill individuals in special education roles.
  • Scope and duration: The bill specifies funding for a defined period (e.g., a fiscal year or multiple years) as part of the state budget. Details about the total appropriation amount and any sunset or renewal provisions would be determined in the appropriation section or subsequent fiscal notes.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Intermediate school districts (ISDs): Primary recipients and implementers of the grant program. ISDs would develop or expand registered apprenticeship initiatives in collaboration with local school districts and potential employers.
  • Prospective and current special education professionals: Individuals who participate in the apprenticeship programs would gain training, work-based learning experiences, and potential pathways to licensure or credentialing.
  • Local school districts and students: Beneficiaries of strengthened special education staffing pipelines, potentially improving recruitment, retention, and quality of services for students receiving special education.
  • State education administration: Responsible for administering grants, monitoring outcomes, and ensuring compliance with program requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referrals: HF 846 was introduced and referred to the Education Finance committee (as of the bill’s first reading on February 17, 2025).
  • Sponsors and support: The bill has multiple co-sponsors, indicating cross-cutting legislative interest. Co-sponsors include Julie Greene, Mary Clardy, Josiah Hill, Bianca Virnig, Cheryl Youakim, Kari Rehrauer, and Ben Bakeberg, with additional consideration from Rehrauer as an author.
  • Next steps in process: Following committee action (Education Finance) and potential floor debate, the bill would proceed to further committees, Senate counterpart discussions, and ultimately the governor’s desk if adopted. Specific appropriation amounts and program guidelines would be clarified in the committee amendments, fiscal notes, and the enacted budget language.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated intent to fund ISD-granted registered apprenticeship programs in special education. Exact dollar figures, eligible activities, matching requirements (if any), performance metrics, and sunset provisions would be defined in the enacted text and accompanying fiscal notes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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