Elementary counseling services inclusion for nonpublic pupils in nonpublic pupil aid

This bill requires Minnesota school districts to provide nonpublic school students (in private or religious schools) with the same elementary and secondary counseling services as public school students, upon formal request. It mandates districts to cover these services using existing funding, with costs capped at the average public school expenditure per pupil for similar services. Funding for these services will be appropriated starting in fiscal year 2026, based on district requests and public school spending data. The bill directly affects nonpublic school students and their districts, ensuring equitable access to counseling without new district costs beyond current allotments.