Senate advances PELSB agency bill and Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to State and Local Government committee

The Minnesota Senate Education Policy Committee advanced two PELSB-related bills to the Committee on State and Local Government on voice votes with no recorded opposition.

Senate File 3625, carried by Senator Cooney, was moved for recommendation and then amended with an A1 change offered by Senator Kunish. The amendment revised phrasing (for example, changing "Minnesota approved" to "state approved"), allowed a one-time transfer of background-check forfeiture funds into a special account to support an IT modernization project, and included changes to clarify mental-health renewal requirements and broaden tier 2 licensure eligibility so some out-of-state state-approved programs can qualify for enrollment toward licensure.

Dr. Elena Bailey of PELSB explained that the bill moves an optional paraprofessional credential to the Minnesota Department of Education, authorizes a data-sharing agreement with the Board of School Administrators, and clarifies renewal language for mental-health training. Brandon Hirsch of Minnesota IT Services testified the proposed one-time transfer would be modest — about $26,000 in fiscal year 2025 — and would not fully solve IT funding needs but would help sustain PELSB’s licensing system modernization.

Supporters testifying in favor included the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, Western Governors University (which highlighted access barriers for out-of-state teacher-prep enrollees), Ed Allies and Educators for Excellence Minnesota. Senator Duckworth offered an additional friendly amendment during debate that passed by voice vote; after that A1 and the second amendment passed, the committee recommended SF3625 as amended for referral.

Senate File 3626, carried by Senator Mann, would adopt the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact (ITMC). Dr. Bailey explained the compact's reciprocity model: eligible licenses (those requiring a bachelor's degree, state teacher preparation and that are unencumbered) would be submitted to the compact and teachers with eligible licenses from member states would be granted the closest equivalent Minnesota license while Minnesota retains authority over renewal and discipline. Administrators testified the compact would ease hiring and continuity in hard-to-staff fields. The committee approved the motion to recommend referral on a voice vote with no recorded opposition and adjourned.

Both bills were recommended to the Committee on State and Local Government for further consideration.