Elementary counseling services for nonpublic pupils included in nonpublic pupil aid, and money appropriated.

HF 984 requires Minnesota school districts to provide nonpublic school students (in private or religious schools) with the same elementary and secondary guidance and counseling services as public school students. It mandates districts to offer these services upon request, with funding based on the average per-pupil spending for similar services in public schools. The bill sets limits on district spending for these services, ensuring costs don’t exceed public school averages, and requires districts to provide transportation between schools if services are offered off-site. It applies to all nonpublic schools within a district and takes effect for state aid starting fiscal year 2026.