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HF 3638

Provisions for educator licensing and standards modified, rulemaking authority for paraprofessional credentials modified, additional data sharing agreements provided, professional development requirements for mental health modified, and appropriation extended.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Clardy and 4 co-sponsors

HF 3638 updates educator licensing standards, paraprofessional credential rulemaking, expands data-sharing, and adjusts mental health PD, with extended funding.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Education Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 3638

Summary of HF 3638 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Purpose and Intent

HF 3638 proposes a set of changes to Minnesota education policy focused on:
- Revisions to educator licensing and standards
- Adjustments to rulemaking authority related to paraprofessional credentials
- Expansion of data-sharing agreements
- Modifications to professional development requirements for mental health
- Extension of appropriations related to these provisions

The bill is introduced and referred to the Education Policy committee (Introduction and first reading occurred on 2026-02-23). Co-authors include David Gottfried, Julie Greene, Alex Falconer, Mary Clardy, and Josiah Hill.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Educator Licensing and Standards

  • The bill modifies existing provisions governing how educators are licensed and the standards they must meet.
  • Potential implications include:
    • Changes to licensure renewal criteria
    • Updates to performance standards linked to teacher certification
    • Possible adjustments to prerequisite requirements or assessment components for licensure

2) Rulemaking Authority for Paraprofessional Credentials

  • HF 3638 changes how rulemaking authority applies to paraprofessional credentials.
  • This could affect:
    • The process by which paraprofessional credential requirements are created or updated
    • The scope of credentials recognized for paraprofessional educators
    • Timelines and stakeholder involvement in credential rulemaking

3) Data Sharing Agreements

  • The bill adds or expands data-sharing agreements related to education personnel and/or students.
  • Key aspects likely include:
    • Permitted data exchanges between state agencies, districts, and educational partners
    • Safeguards and privacy considerations
    • Purposes for data use (e.g., accountability, program evaluation, workforce planning)

4) Mental Health Professional Development

  • Professional development requirements for mental health are modified.
  • Possible changes:
    • New or revised mandatory training hours for educators and school staff
    • Updated content areas (e.g., identification of mental health needs, referral procedures, de-escalation, trauma-informed practices)
    • Timelines for completing professional development or ongoing competency requirements

5) Appropriation Extension

  • The bill extends appropriations related to the above provisions.
  • This indicates continued funding support for:
    • Licensing and credentialing activities
    • Data infrastructure and sharing initiatives
    • Mental health PD programs
  • Specific dollar amounts and duration would be clarified in the fiscal provisions (not detailed in the current overview).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Public school districts, charter schools, and other district-based education providers
  • Educators and prospective educators undergoing licensing, credentialing, and renewal
  • Paraprofessionals and those seeking paraprofessional credentials
  • School administrators and district data managers involved in data sharing
  • Students and families who are the subjects of data-use provisions and mental health initiatives
  • State education agencies responsible for licensing, credentialing, data governance, and PD implementation

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred to the Education Policy committee on February 23, 2026.
  • As an HF (House File) with an extended appropriation component, key milestones to watch include:
    • Committee hearings and amendments in Education Policy
    • Potential floor votes in the House
    • Budget committee alignment for any appropriations
    • Any companion actions in the Minnesota Senate and eventual conference committee negotiations

Notes for Readers

  • Specifics such as dollar figures, exact license/credential standards, data-sharing modalities, and PD hour requirements are not provided in the current summary. The full bill text and fiscal note would supply precise numbers, effective dates, and implementation timelines.
  • Stakeholders should monitor committee transcripts and fiscal analyses for details on how the changes would be phased in and funded.

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

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