HF 2284

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 02/25/2014 01:59pm

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; regulating travel abroad study programs used for
postsecondary education credit; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 136A.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [136A.89] STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM; REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this
subdivision have the meanings given them.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Postsecondary institution" means an institution that meets the eligibility
requirements under section 136A.103 to participate in state financial aid programs.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Program" means a study abroad program in which program participants travel
outside of the United States in connection with an educational experience.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Report required to offer credit for study abroad program. new text end

new text begin A program
may not be offered for credit at a postsecondary institution unless the organizer of the
program has complied with the reporting requirements of subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin (a) A program organizer must file by June 1 of each year a report
to the office with the following information from the previous calendar year:
new text end

new text begin (1) deaths of program participants resulting during program participation;
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new text begin (2) accidents and illnesses occurring during program participation that resulted
in hospitalization;
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new text begin (3) sexual assaults against program participants occurring during program
participation; and
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new text begin (4) incidents, including incidents reported under clause (3), involving program
participants during the program that resulted in known calls with police involvement
or an incident resulting in a police report.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a program organizer fails to file an annual report with the office by June 1, the
program is prohibited from offering the study abroad program for credit in the following
calendar year.
new text end

new text begin (c) The office must publish the report information by program on its Web site in
a format that facilitates identifying information for a particular program. A program
organizer must include in its written materials provided to prospective program
participants a link to the office Web site stating that program health and safety information
is available at the Web site.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
Initial reports required by this section must be filed by June 1, 2015.
new text end