HF3638 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
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.
Related bill: SF3625
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to update Minnesota education policy by changing how educators and paraprofessionals are licensed and supported, expanding rulemaking authority, boosting data sharing among education agencies, and adding new training requirements focused on reading, mental health, and safety.
Main Provisions
Paraprofessional credential
- Creates a statewide credential for education paraprofessionals who assist licensed teachers.
- Paraprofessionals with this credential (or working in a local district after passing a state-approved local assessment) are considered highly qualified under federal law.
- The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), with the commissioner, must adopt qualitative criteria for local assessments. These criteria evaluate reading, writing, and math knowledge and the ability to assist in instructional reading, writing, and math.
- The commissioner approves or disapproves local assessments based on these criteria and must publish the criteria for public access.
Training and professional development
- When adopting rules for paraprofessional credentialing, the board should consider including training in student characteristics, teaching and learning environments, academic instruction skills, student behavior, and ethics.
Rulemaking and licensure scope
- PELSB must adopt rules to implement a broad set of licensure provisions, including how teachers may teach in fields outside their licensure without changing their license tier, and how rules should align with existing statutes.
- Rules must clearly define terms, avoid conflicts with statutes, and explain the proposed rules’ likely effect on teacher supply and demand.
Data sharing and program improvement
- The bill requires data-sharing agreements among PELSB, the Board of School Administrators, and the Department of Education to sharing educational data at the E12 level.
- Data sharing supports program approval and improvement for teacher education programs and education administration programs.
- The agreements may include private data (with protections) but may also use summary data. Data sharing is limited to purposes defined in the agreements and must respect privacy rules.
Background checks
- All first-time educator and administrator license applicants must undergo criminal history background studies, including fingerprints.
- Payments for background checks go to the professional licensing board, with funds set aside in a special revenue account and some unspent funds potentially transferable to the general fund.
Licensure tiers and renewals
- Introduces Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 licenses with defined timeframes.
- Tier 1: Initial one-year license; can be renewed if districts cannot hire a Tier 2–4 candidate, after the teacher completes a content exam, completes cultural competency training, and meets a mental illness/health training renewal requirement (except for certain CTE or shortage areas). Tier 1 renewal is limited to three renewals unless there is a good cause for more.
- Tier 2: Initial two-year license; renewals allowed up to three times. First renewal requires cultural competency and mental health training. Beginning July 1, 2027, certain classroom roles (reading instruction, ESL, literacy leadership, etc.) must show progress toward required literacy training for the first renewal.
- Tier 3 and Tier 4: Longer-term licenses with ongoing renewal and additional requirements (not all details are specified in the excerpt).
- Starting July 1, 2027, specific teaching roles (e.g., early childhood, elementary reading instruction, ELL, literacy materials selection, etc.) must demonstrate progress toward evidence-based literacy training for the first renewal of their initial Tier license.
Literacy and reading requirements
- The bill expands literacy-related requirements for certain licenses and renewals. By the second renewal cycle, teachers in targeted roles must show progress toward evidence-based literacy training requirements.
Mental health and suicide prevention training
- All licensed teachers renewing a license must complete at least one hour of suicide prevention best practices and at least five hours of professional development on student mental health and wellness per renewal period.
- Initial training emphasizes recognizing early signs of mental illness; subsequent renewals cover more in-depth topics such as trauma, accommodations, and related issues. Teachers are not required to diagnose or treat mental illness.
Information technology costs
- A one-time appropriation is provided to cover information technology costs related to the licensing boards and administration.
Significant Changes to Law
Paraprofessionals
- Establishment of a statewide paraprofessional credential with a formal local assessment framework—aimed at aligning paraprofessional roles with federal “highly qualified” status.
Licensure system
- Introduction of a multi-tier (Tier 1–Tier 4) licensure structure for teachers, with explicit renewal conditions, literacy requirements, and conditional renewals tied to district hiring realities and targeted training.
Data sharing and accountability
- New data-sharing agreements among licensing and school administration bodies to improve teacher preparation programs and school leadership programs, while balancing privacy.
Background checks and vetting
- Expanded use of criminal history checks and fingerprints for all first-time educator licenses, with funding and data handling provisions.
Training priorities
- Strong new emphasis on literacy, cultural competency, and mental health training for teachers and administrators, integrated into licensure renewals and program approvals.
Funding and implementation
- A one-time IT funding provision to support the implementation of these licensing and data systems.
Implementation Considerations
Transition timelines
- Several provisions reference requirements beginning July 1, 2027, particularly around literacy progress for certain roles and the renewal processes for Tier licenses.
School impact
- The changes could affect how districts hire paraprofessionals and licensed teachers, potentially increasing the use of paraprofessionals with a state credential, and influencing recruitment and retention through the new licensure tiers and required professional development.
Data privacy
- The bill creates data-sharing arrangements that involve sensitive staff data; the agreements will specify what data can be shared and how it can be used, with privacy safeguards.
Oversight and compliance
- Rules will be developed by PELSB and partner boards to implement these provisions, including how to handle conflicts with existing laws and how to assess the impact on teacher supply and demand.
Potential Impacts
- Paraprofessionals may gain clearer pathways to formal credentials and recognized qualifications, improving instructional support for students.
- Teachers face expanded professional development requirements, especially in literacy and mental health, along with potential changes to licensure renewal processes.
- Districts may experience changes in hiring practices due to the tiered license system and the requirements tied to different renewal tracks.
- Data sharing could lead to better program design for teacher preparation and school leadership programs, but will hinge on privacy protections and effective data governance.
Relevant Terms - Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) - Board of School Administrators - Department of Education - paraprofessional credential - local assessments - reading, writing, math - highly qualified under federal law - rulemaking - E12 data - program approval and improvement - teacher education programs - education administration programs - data sharing agreement - private data (privacy protections) - Section 13.02, 13.87 (definitions and background checks) - Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) - Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - criminal history background studies - fingerprints - Tier 1 license - Tier 2 license - Tier 3 license - Tier 4 license - cultural competency training - mental illness health training - suicide prevention training - evidence-based literacy training (section 120B.123) - information technology costs (IT funding)
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Upcoming committee meetings
- Education Policy on: March 25, 2026 15:00
Past committee meetings
- Education Policy on: March 03, 2026 15:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Education Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Creates statewide credential for paraprofessionals who assist licensed teachers; requires state-approved local assessments and qualification criteria."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Amends 120B.363 to establish a statewide credential for education paraprofessionals and to set the rulemaking framework for implementing that credential.",
"modified": [
"Adds rulemaking authority for paraprofessional credential implementation; links credential to federal qualification standards."
]
},
"citation": "120B.363",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires board consideration of training in areas such as student characteristics, learning environment, and ethical practices."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Addresses training possibilities related to the paraprofessional credential and related competencies.",
"modified": [
"Expands training-related provisions tied to paraprofessional credential implementation."
]
},
"citation": "120B.363",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Mandates rulemaking under chapter 14 to implement multiple licensure provisions (e.g., 120B.363, 122A.05–122A.09, 122A.092, 122A.16–122A.21, 122A.23, 122A.26, 122A.28, 122A.29, 124D.72)."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Requires the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to adopt rules to implement a broad set of licensure-related sections.",
"modified": [
"Frames the scope of rulemaking for licensure provisions across multiple sections."
]
},
"citation": "122A.09",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 9"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires criminal history background checks, fingerprinting, and related costs (managed through a dedicated special revenue fund)."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Implements background study requirements for first-time educator and administrator licensure applicants.",
"modified": [
"Specifies procedures and funding flows for background study costs."
]
},
"citation": "122A.18",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Creates multiple tiered licenses (Tier 1–Tier 4) and designates supervisory licensure for school administrators; requires data-sharing agreements for educational data at the E12 level."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Establishes licensing authority and licensure tiers; introduces data-sharing framework related to educator preparation and licensing.",
"modified": [
"Expands licensing framework and data-sharing obligations between the board and the Department of Education and Board of School Administrators."
]
},
"citation": "122A.18",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Sets a one-year initial term for Tier 1 licenses and outlines renewal eligibility criteria (posting the job, completing required examinations, cultural competency training, and mental health training)."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Dictates term and renewal framework for Tier 1 licenses.",
"modified": [
"Introduces renewal conditions and limits for Tier 1 licenses."
]
},
"citation": "122A.181",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Sets a two-year initial term for Tier 2 licenses and renewal framework with required training and ongoing literacy requirements."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Dictates term and renewal framework for Tier 2 licenses.",
"modified": [
"Adds renewal cadence and training requirements tied to Tier 2 licensure."
]
},
"citation": "122A.182",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires criminal background check, state-approved teacher preparation program, and must hold a bachelor's degree unless exempted."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Outlines general requirements for Tier 2 licensure.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies eligibility and prerequisites for Tier 2 licensure."
]
},
"citation": "122A.182",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the bill’s specified scope referencing licensure sections; lists additional related areas to be implemented.",
"modified": [
"References to additional licensure-related sections (183) as part of the rulemaking scope."
]
},
"citation": "122A.183",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.184",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.185",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.187",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.188",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.19",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.20",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.21",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.23",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.26",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.28",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the enumerated licensure-related sections to be implemented by rule.",
"modified": [
"Referenced for rule implementation among licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.29",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Included among sections to be implemented under the rulemaking framework.",
"modified": [
"Referenced as part of the license-related rule implementation scope."
]
},
"citation": "124D.72",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Incorporates fiscal/operational impact assessment into rulemaking per section 14.131."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Requires the board's rulemaking to include a description of the rule's probable effect on teacher supply and demand under section 14.131.",
"modified": [
"Links rulemaking to statutory requirement in 14.131."
]
},
"citation": "14.131",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References private data definitions that may be shared under data sharing agreements.",
"modified": [
"Cites private data definitions within section 13.02(12) as applicable to data sharing."
]
},
"citation": "13.02",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 12"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References educational data definitions used in data sharing contexts.",
"modified": [
"Cites definitions for educational data (section 13.32(1))."
]
},
"citation": "13.32",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Further data definition references used in data sharing contexts.",
"modified": [
"Cites private/summary data definitions for data sharing."
]
},
"citation": "13.02",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 19"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"References to national evidence-based programs and practices for mental health-related training."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Governs suicide prevention and mental health training requirements linked to licensure renewals.",
"modified": [
"Incorporates mental health training standards into licensure renewal requirements."
]
},
"citation": "125A.0942",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires cultural competency and mental health training components for renewal in applicable licenses."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Implements literacy and mental health training requirements for certain licenses and renewals.",
"modified": [
"Links 120B.30(8) to ongoing professional development requirements."
]
},
"citation": "120B.30",
"subdivision": "Subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the licensure framework reiterated for implementation under rulemaking.",
"modified": [
"Enumerates licensure sections to be implemented (122A.05–122A.09)."
]
},
"citation": "122A.05",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the licensure framework reiterated for rulemaking.",
"modified": [
"Enumerates licensure sections to be implemented (122A.05–122A.09)."
]
},
"citation": "122A.06",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the licensure framework reiterated for rulemaking.",
"modified": [
"Enumerates licensure sections to be implemented (122A.05–122A.09)."
]
},
"citation": "122A.07",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the licensure framework reiterated for rulemaking.",
"modified": [
"Enumerates licensure sections to be implemented (122A.05–122A.09)."
]
},
"citation": "122A.08",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the licensure framework reiterated for rulemaking.",
"modified": [
"Enumerates licensure sections to be implemented (122A.05–122A.09)."
]
},
"citation": "122A.09",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Referenced as part of the licensure implementation scope.",
"modified": [
"Cited within the scope of rulemaking for licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.092",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Referenced as part of the licensure implementation scope.",
"modified": [
"Cited within the scope of rulemaking for licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.16",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Referenced as part of the licensure implementation scope.",
"modified": [
"Cited within the scope of rulemaking for licensure provisions."
]
},
"citation": "122A.17",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee