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HF 735

Shared time pupils definition expanded.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bjorn Olson

HF 735 expands who counts as a shared time pupil, potentially changing scheduling, funding, and reporting for students in multiple educational settings.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Education Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 735

Summary of HF 735 (Session 2025-2026) — Shared time pupils definition expanded

Purpose and intent

HF 735 seeks to expand how “shared time pupils” are defined in Minnesota law. The bill appears to broaden the scope or criteria for students who can be counted as shared time pupils, which affects how districts manage attendance, scheduling, funding, and reporting related to students who are not enrolled full-time in a single district but participate in educational activities across multiple settings.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expansion of definition: The central change is to widen the statutory definition of a shared time pupil. While the exact statutory language is not provided here, typical expansions of this kind may include:
    • Allowing students who spend only part of their day (or part of their week) in one setting and the remainder in another to be classified as shared time pupils.
    • Broadening eligibility to include students who are enrolled in different programs (e.g., alternative programs, online options, or cooperative arrangements) that contribute to a single student’s total instructional time.
    • Adjusting the minimum daily or weekly instructional time requirements used to determine shared time status.
  • Impact on attendance and scheduling: Schools may need to modify attendance accounting, scheduling, and staffing plans to accommodate the expanded shared time category. This could involve cross-district scheduling, shared staff arrangements, or adjusted reporting practices.
  • Funding and categorical implications: If the shared time designation affects state funding allocations, per-pupil amounts, or categorical aid, the bill could alter how funds follow students who are counted as shared time pupils. This could influence revenue streams for districts that rely on shared-time enrollments.
  • Reporting and accountability: The expansion may entail new reporting requirements to state education agencies to track and verify shared time participation, ensuring compliance with the broadened definition.

Who would be affected

  • School districts and charter schools: Districts that enroll students in multiple settings or partner with other districts/programs would likely be most affected, as they adjust records, scheduling, and potential funding implications.
  • Students and families: Students who participate in programs across different educational settings could benefit from more flexible enrollment options if the law facilitates cross-setting attendance without loss of eligibility for services or funding.
  • Educators and administrators: Individuals responsible for enrollment, attendance, and funding reporting would need to adapt to the new definition and any associated compliance requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: HF 735 was introduced and referred to the Education Policy committee on February 13, 2025.
  • Next steps: The bill would require committee consideration, potential amendments, and eventual floor votes in the Minnesota House of Representatives, followed by any Senate action and governor’s signature to become law. Specific deadlines, fiscal notes, or cost analyses would typically accompany committee hearings.

Notes

  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Bjorn Olson.
  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated aim to expand the shared time pupil definition; exact language and numeric thresholds (if any) are not provided in the available summary and would be found in the bill’s text as referred to the committee.

If you’d like, I can pull the bill text or fiscal note details to provide precise language, dates, and any estimated fiscal impact.

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

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