HF 3581

1st Engrossment - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 04/04/2022 04:36pm

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; establishing a program for highly qualified college
degree holders to complete peace officer education and training; establishing a
peace officer college scholarship program for highly qualified high school
graduates; establishing a scholarship program for students preparing to be licensed
social workers; requiring a report; appropriating money; proposing coding for new
law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 136A; 626.

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

ARTICLE 1

LAW ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Section 1.

new text begin [626.8516] INTENSIVE COMPREHENSIVE PEACE OFFICER
EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; title. new text end

new text begin A program is established within the Department
of Public Safety to fund the intensive comprehensive law enforcement education and training
of highly qualified college degree holders. The program shall be known as the "intensive
comprehensive peace officer education and training program."
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Purpose; participant qualities. new text end

new text begin The program is intended to address the critical
shortage of peace officers in the state. The program shall recruit, educate, and train highly
qualified college graduates to become licensed peace officers in the state through an intensive
comprehensive process. A highly qualified participant shall have a strong moral character
and a proven commitment to community and public service. In addition, participants should
possess strong critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Participants must also possess the physical capabilities to perform the duties of a peace
officer. The program shall strive to include persons from groups that are currently
underrepresented in policing. Program participants shall represent all regions of the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Eligibility. new text end

new text begin To be eligible to participate in the program, a candidate must:
new text end

new text begin (1) hold a two- or four-year degree from an accredited college or university;
new text end

new text begin (2) be a citizen of the United States;
new text end

new text begin (3) submit to a thorough background check, including searches by local, state, and federal
agencies, to disclose the existence of any criminal record or conduct which would adversely
affect the performance by the candidate of peace officer duties; and
new text end

new text begin (4) possess a valid Minnesota driver's license or, in case of residency therein, a valid
driver's license from another state, or eligibility to obtain either license.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish and publish an application for
participation in the program no later than November 1, 2022.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Selection committee; purpose; membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall
convene a selection committee to review applications and make recommendations for
participation in the program.
new text end

new text begin (b) The selection committee shall consist of:
new text end

new text begin (1) a state employee experienced in law enforcement who is appointed by the
commissioner;
new text end

new text begin (2) a citizen member of the Ensuring Police Excellence and Improving Community
Relations Advisory Council;
new text end

new text begin (3) a representative of the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association;
new text end

new text begin (4) a representative of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association;
new text end

new text begin (5) a peace officer who is a member of a statewide or national peace officer affinity
group that represents a group or groups that are currently underrepresented in law
enforcement;
new text end

new text begin (6) a designee appointed by the commissioner of higher education;
new text end

new text begin (7) a representative of the National Alliance on Mental Illness; and
new text end

new text begin (8) a person appointed by the commissioner with experience in criminal justice and law
enforcement instruction provided at a private nonprofit postsecondary institution.
new text end

new text begin (c) The members of the selection committee shall select a chair from its membership.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Selection process; commencement of coursework and training. new text end

new text begin (a) The
selection committee shall strive to provide opportunities to participate in the program to
applicants from groups that are currently underrepresented in law enforcement and who
represent the state's increasingly diverse population.
new text end

new text begin (b) For the initial cohort of program participants, the selection committee shall make
recommendations to the commissioner no later than January 15, 2023.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall select up to 125 persons to participate in the program each
fiscal year.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall select and notify candidates of their selection to participate
in the initial cohort no later than February 15, 2023.
new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner, in consultation with the presidents of the institutions designated
as education providers under subdivision 11, shall establish a date to commence coursework
and training for the initial cohort of program participants. Coursework must commence as
soon as practicable, but no later than September 1, 2023.
new text end

new text begin (f) The commissioner shall establish future deadlines for the nomination of candidates,
the selection of participants, and commencement of coursework and training for subsequent
cohorts. The commissioner shall establish these deadlines, in consultation with the presidents
of the institutions designated as education providers under subdivision 11, to ensure that
institutions providing training under the program have the staff, facilities, and resources
necessary to provide intensive comprehensive coursework and training to participants.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Nominations. new text end

new text begin Chief law enforcement officers may nominate and recommend
qualified candidates to participate in the program. Statewide and national peace officer
affinity groups that represent groups that are currently underrepresented in law enforcement
may also nominate candidates to participate in the program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Participant benefits. new text end

new text begin Program participants are entitled to the following benefits:
new text end

new text begin (1) tuition-free law enforcement education and skills training needed to be eligible for
licensure as a peace officer;
new text end

new text begin (2) a stipend to provide for living expenses while participating in the program;
new text end

new text begin (3) forgiveness of student loans incurred for past higher education degrees, to the extent
the legislature appropriates funds for this purpose;
new text end

new text begin (4) a signing bonus when hired by a state law enforcement agency as a peace officer;
and
new text end

new text begin (5) a bonus for being retained after completion of the 18-month probationary period
provided for in subdivision 14.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Participant obligations. new text end

new text begin (a) To enter the program, participants must sign a
contract agreeing to fulfill the program's requirements and to fulfill the employment
obligation under subdivision 10. The contract shall provide that a participant who fails to
meet the requirements of the program without being excused by the commissioner must
reimburse the state for the amount of state funds expended on the participant. The contract
shall also include acknowledgment from the participant that the participant was advised of
the minimum selection standards to become a licensed peace officer in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (b) To remain in the program, participants must:
new text end

new text begin (1) continue to meet the eligibility requirements to participate in the program established
in subdivision 3;
new text end

new text begin (2) achieve passing grades in the required courses;
new text end

new text begin (3) complete the required law enforcement skills training;
new text end

new text begin (4) make timely progress towards completion of the program;
new text end

new text begin (5) pass the Minnesota peace officer licensure exam; and
new text end

new text begin (6) actively seek employment as a peace officer with a Minnesota law enforcement
agency until employed as a peace officer.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Employment obligation. new text end

new text begin (a) Unless granted an extension by the commissioner,
a participant must be employed full time in the state as a peace officer within six months
of completing the program.
new text end

new text begin (b) A participant must remain continuously employed full time as a peace officer in the
state for six years after completion of the program.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall annually verify with the board that program graduates who
have not fulfilled the total employment obligation are employed as a peace officer by a state
law enforcement agency.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner may approve, on a case-by-case basis, employment in other public
safety professions for program graduates to satisfy their employment obligation. When the
commissioner approves a program graduate's request under this paragraph, the graduate
must annually verify, in a form and manner specified by the commissioner, that the recipient
is employed in a position that fulfills the employment obligation.
new text end

new text begin (e) Upon the request of a program graduate, the commissioner may temporarily suspend
the employment obligation for extenuating circumstances. The employment obligation is
canceled upon the program graduate's death or total and permanent disability.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Education providers; sites. new text end

new text begin (a) No later than September 1, 2022, the Board
of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall designate at least four
regionally diverse system campuses to provide the required intensive comprehensive law
enforcement education and skills training to participants in the program.
new text end

new text begin (b) In addition to the campuses designated under paragraph (a), the commissioner shall
designate at least one and not more than two private, nonprofit postsecondary institutions
to provide the required intensive comprehensive law enforcement education and skills
training to participants in the program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Education and skills training program. new text end

new text begin No later than February 1, 2023, the
commissioner, in consultation with the executive director of the board and the institutions
designated as education providers under subdivision 11, shall develop an intensive
comprehensive law enforcement education and skills training program that will provide
program participants with the law enforcement education and skills training needed to be
licensed as a peace officer. The program must be designed to be completed in eight months
or less and shall be offered at the institutions designated under subdivision 11. The program
may overlap, coincide with, or draw upon existing law enforcement education and training
programs at institutions designated as education providers under subdivision 11. Existing
law enforcement programs that are designed to be completed in eight months or less may
be considered an intensive comprehensive law enforcement education and skills training
program for purposes of this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Job placement assistance; commissioner. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall assist
program participants in identifying and applying for peace officer positions in the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Hiring law enforcement agencies; extended probationary period granted;
reassignment. new text end

new text begin (a) The chief law enforcement officer of an agency that hires a program
graduate shall have 18 months to evaluate the officer's fitness for nonprobationary
employment. If an agency elects not to offer a program graduate an unrestricted position
after the 18-month probationary period, the agency shall provide the officer with up to three
months of assistance in finding another public safety position within Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (b) During a program graduate's 18-month probationary period, the hiring agency must
provide the officer with a mentor who is not the officer's partner. If the officer is a member
of a group that is currently underrepresented in law enforcement, the agency must make a
good faith effort to pair the officer with a mentor from the same underrepresented group.
When available, the agency shall pair the officer with a mentor who is employed as a peace
officer with another law enforcement agency in the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

new text begin Account established. new text end

new text begin (a) An intensive comprehensive peace officer education
and training program account is created in the special revenue fund for depositing money
appropriated to or received by the department for this program. Money deposited in the
account is appropriated to the commissioner, does not cancel, and is continuously available
to fund the requirements of this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall annually transfer to any designated education provider under
subdivision 11 funds sufficient to provide the required education and skills training to
program participants. Each designated education provider must receive the same amount
of funds per program participant.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Board" means the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Peace officer" has the meaning given in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph
(c).
new text end

new text begin (e) "Program" means the intensive comprehensive peace officer education and training
program.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [626.8518] PEACE OFFICER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin A program is established within the Department of Public
Safety to provide college scholarships to highly qualified Minnesota high school graduates
to earn a law enforcement degree from an eligible postsecondary institution. The program
shall be known as the "peace officer college scholarship program."
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Purpose. new text end

new text begin The peace officer college scholarship program is intended to recruit,
educate, train, and mentor highly qualified high school graduates to become licensed peace
officers in the state. A highly qualified candidate shall demonstrate a strong moral character
and a commitment to community and public service. In addition, candidates should possess
advanced critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. The
program shall strive to include persons from groups that are currently underrepresented in
policing. Program participants shall represent all regions of the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Program eligibility. new text end

new text begin (a) To be eligible for a scholarship under this section, a
candidate must:
new text end

new text begin (1) qualify for resident tuition, as defined in section 135A.043;
new text end

new text begin (2) be a citizen of the United States;
new text end

new text begin (3) submit to a thorough background check, including searches by local, state, and federal
agencies, to disclose the existence of any criminal record or conduct which would adversely
affect the performance by the applicant of peace officer duties; and
new text end

new text begin (4) be enrolled for at least 12 credits per term in a law enforcement degree, diploma, or
certificate program at an eligible institution, as defined by section 136A.101.
new text end

new text begin (b) Both current students and newly admitted incoming students may apply for and
receive a scholarship.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Application; program administration. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall establish
and publish an application for participation in the scholarship program no later than
November 1, 2022. For each academic year, the commissioner shall establish the deadline
for applicants to apply for a scholarship. The commissioner must publish the application
deadline at least 12 weeks prior to the deadline.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall establish the guidelines and programming necessary for
implementing and administering the program, including providing summer law enforcement
and leadership skills training to participants.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Nominations. new text end

new text begin Chief law enforcement officers may nominate up to two
candidates to receive scholarships under this program each academic year that funding is
available for scholarships. Statewide and national peace officer affinity groups that represent
groups that are currently underrepresented in law enforcement may also nominate candidates
to participate in the program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Selection committee; membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall convene a
selection committee to review applications and recommend candidates for participation in
the program.
new text end

new text begin (b) The selection committee shall consist of:
new text end

new text begin (1) a state employee experienced in law enforcement who is appointed by the
commissioner;
new text end

new text begin (2) a citizen member of the Ensuring Police Excellence and Improving Community
Relations Advisory Council;
new text end

new text begin (3) a representative of the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association;
new text end

new text begin (4) a representative of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association;
new text end

new text begin (5) a peace officer who is a member of a statewide or national peace officer affinity
group that represents a group or groups that are currently underrepresented in law
enforcement;
new text end

new text begin (6) a designee appointed by the commissioner of higher education;
new text end

new text begin (7) a representative of the National Alliance on Mental Illness; and
new text end

new text begin (8) a person appointed by the commissioner with experience in criminal justice and law
enforcement instruction provided at a private, nonprofit postsecondary institution.
new text end

new text begin (c) The members of the selection committee shall select a chair from its membership.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Selection process. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall award up to 125 scholarships
each academic year beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year to students that the selection
committee recommends to the commissioner. The commissioner shall strive to provide
opportunities to participate in the program to applicants from groups that are currently
underrepresented in law enforcement and who represent the state's increasingly diverse
population. The commissioner must ensure that scholarships are awarded to students from
all regions of the state.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall establish deadlines for the nomination of candidates and the
selection of participants. For the initial cohort of program participants, the selection
committee shall make recommendations to the commissioner no later than January 15, 2023.
The commissioner shall select and notify candidates of their selection to participate in the
initial cohort no later than February 15, 2023. The selection committee shall give preference
to applicants from groups that are currently underrepresented in law enforcement and who
represent the state's increasingly diverse population.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Participant benefits. new text end

new text begin (a) Program participants are entitled to the following
benefits:
new text end

new text begin (1) free tuition and fees for up to eight semesters;
new text end

new text begin (2) free law enforcement skills training;
new text end

new text begin (3) supplemental law enforcement and leadership skills training; and
new text end

new text begin (4) a stipend to provide for living expenses while participating in the program.
new text end

new text begin (b) In calculating the amount of tuition and fees covered by the scholarship under
paragraph (a), clause (1), the commissioner must first deduct:
new text end

new text begin (1) the amount of the federal Pell Grant award for which the recipient is eligible;
new text end

new text begin (2) the amount of the state grant award for which the recipient is eligible;
new text end

new text begin (3) the amount of any other state or federal financial aid received; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the sum of all institutional grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, and tuition remission
amounts.
new text end

new text begin (c) For scholarship recipients attending a private institution, the amount of tuition and
fees covered by the scholarship under paragraph (a), clause (1), must not exceed:
new text end

new text begin (1) for private two-year programs, the highest amount of tuition and fees charged at a
public two-year institution; or
new text end

new text begin (2) for private four-year programs, the highest amount of tuition and fees charged at a
public university.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Participant obligations. new text end

new text begin (a) To enter the program, participants must sign a
contract agreeing to fulfill the program's requirements, to fulfill the employment obligation
under subdivision 10, and to reimburse the state for failing to complete the program without
being excused from the program by the commissioner. The contract shall also include
acknowledgment from the participant that the participant was advised of the minimum
selection standards to become a licensed peace officer in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (b) To remain in the program, participants must:
new text end

new text begin (1) continue to meet the eligibility requirements to participate in the program established
in subdivision 3;
new text end

new text begin (2) remain in good academic standing and make timely progress toward completion of
a law enforcement degree as provided for under paragraph (c);
new text end

new text begin (3) complete the required law enforcement skills training;
new text end

new text begin (4) participate in leadership and peace officer specific training provided by the
commissioner each summer;
new text end

new text begin (5) pass the Minnesota peace officer licensure exam; and
new text end

new text begin (6) actively seek employment as a peace officer in a Minnesota law enforcement agency
until employed as a peace officer.
new text end

new text begin (c) Unless the commissioner approves a participant's request for an extension or grants
an exception to the requirements of this paragraph, a participant must complete the program:
new text end

new text begin (1) in four academic years, if the program is a bachelor's degree program; or
new text end

new text begin (2) in two academic years, if the program is a diploma, certificate, or associate's degree
program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Employment obligation. new text end

new text begin (a) Unless granted an extension by the commissioner,
a participant must be employed full time in the state as a peace officer within six months
of completing the program.
new text end

new text begin (b) A participant must remain continuously employed full time as a peace officer in the
state for six years after completion of the program.
new text end

new text begin (c) For at least the first two years of a program graduate's employment as a peace officer,
the hiring agency must provide the officer with a mentor who is not the officer's partner. If
the officer is a member of a group that is currently underrepresented in law enforcement,
the agency must make a good faith effort to pair the officer with a mentor from the same
underrepresented group. When available, the agency shall pair the officer with a mentor
who is employed as a peace officer with another law enforcement agency in the state.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall annually verify with the board that program graduates who
have not fulfilled the total employment obligation are employed as a peace officer by a state
law enforcement agency.
new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner may approve, on a case-by-case basis, employment in other public
safety professions for program graduates to satisfy their employment obligation. When the
commissioner approves a program graduate's request under this paragraph, the person must
annually verify, in a form and manner specified by the commissioner, that the graduate is
employed in a position that fulfills the employment obligation.
new text end

new text begin (f) Upon the request of a program graduate, the commissioner may temporarily suspend
the employment obligation for extenuating circumstances. The employment obligation is
canceled upon the program graduate's death or total and permanent disability.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Failure to complete degree or satisfy the employment obligation. new text end

new text begin If a
program participant fails to earn their degree in the time provided, otherwise fails to meet
the requirements of the program without being excused from the program by the
commissioner, or fails to satisfy the employment obligation, the commissioner must convert
the amount of state funds expended on the participant's education and stipend into a student
loan and collect from the participant the total amount paid plus interest at a rate established
according to section 270C.40.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Job placement assistance; commissioner. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall assist
program participants in identifying and applying for peace officer positions in the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Account established. new text end

new text begin A peace officer college scholarship program account
is created in the special revenue fund for depositing money appropriated to or received by
the department for this program. Money deposited in the account is appropriated to the
commissioner, does not cancel, and is continuously available to fund the requirements of
this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Board" means the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Peace officer" has the meaning given in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph
(c).
new text end

new text begin (e) "Program" means the peace officer college scholarship program.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS; INTENSIVE COMPREHENSIVE PEACE OFFICER
EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Commissioner of public safety; program creation and
administration. new text end

new text begin $13,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund for
transfer to the intensive comprehensive peace officer education and training program account
in the special revenue fund to establish and administer the intensive comprehensive peace
officer education and training program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Public safety; outreach. new text end

new text begin $800,000 in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the
general fund for transfer to the intensive comprehensive peace officer education and training
program account in the special revenue fund to conduct outreach to qualified candidates
for the intensive comprehensive peace officer education and training program. The
commissioner shall use the funds to target and recruit candidates or groups of candidates
who meet the program's eligibility requirements with an emphasis placed on reaching
candidates from groups that are currently underrepresented in law enforcement and who
represent the state's increasingly diverse population. The commissioner shall conduct outreach
directly to statewide and national peace officer affinity groups that represent groups that
are currently underrepresented in law enforcement. The commissioner shall contract with
an agency with proven experience and success in targeting and recruiting candidates for
specific professions.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATION; PUBLIC SAFETY; TRANSFER TO MNSCU; PEACE
OFFICER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin $2,600,000 in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund for transfer to the
peace officer college scholarship program account in the special revenue fund to establish
and administer the peace officer college scholarship program. The commissioner shall use
a portion of this appropriation to promote the program to students from groups that are
currently underrepresented in law enforcement and who represent the state's increasingly
diverse population. The commissioner shall conduct outreach directly to statewide and
national peace officer affinity groups that represent groups that are currently underrepresented
in law enforcement.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin APPROPRIATION; PEACE OFFICER EXPLORER PROGRAM GRANTS;
MENTOR GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Peace officer explorer program grants. new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2023
is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of public safety for reimbursement
grants to local units of government that operate peace officer explorer programs. Applicants
for reimbursement grants may receive up to 50 percent of the cost of operating the program.
Reimbursement grants shall be proportionally allocated based on the number of grant
applications approved by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Mentor grants. new text end

new text begin $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general
fund to the commissioner of public safety for reimbursement grants to local units of
government that permit peace officers employed by the applicant to serve as mentors to
officers employed by other agencies who have recently graduated from either the intensive
comprehensive peace officer education and training program or the peace officer college
scholarship program. Reimbursement grants shall be proportionally allocated based on the
number of grant applications approved by the commissioner.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIPS

Section 1.

new text begin [136A.1285] SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Program established. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish a scholarship
program for eligible students preparing to become licensed social workers in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Eligible students. new text end

new text begin (a) A student is eligible for a scholarship under this section
if the student is:
new text end

new text begin (1) a resident student;
new text end

new text begin (2) enrolled in a baccalaureate degree-granting social work program at an eligible
institution; and
new text end

new text begin (3) in good academic standing and making satisfactory academic progress.
new text end

new text begin (b) To receive a scholarship under this section, a student must:
new text end

new text begin (1) apply in the form and manner specified by the commissioner; and
new text end

new text begin (2) sign a contract agreeing to fulfill the employment obligation under subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin (c) A student may receive a scholarship under this section for no more than eight
semesters or the equivalent.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Scholarship amounts. new text end

new text begin (a) The amount of a scholarship awarded under this
section shall be equal to the recipient's recognized cost of attendance after deducting:
new text end

new text begin (1) the amount of the federal Pell grant award for which the recipient is eligible;
new text end

new text begin (2) the amount of the state grant award for which the recipient is eligible;
new text end

new text begin (3) the amount of any other state or federal gift aid received; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the sum of all institutional scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, and tuition remission
amounts.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this section, the recognized cost of attendance for a public institution
has the meaning given in Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, chapter 28, subchapter IV,
part F, section 1087ll. The recognized cost of attendance for a private institution equals the
lesser of:
new text end

new text begin (1) the cost of attendance for the institution as calculated under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 20, chapter 28, subchapter IV, part F, section 1087ll; or
new text end

new text begin (2) an amount equal to the highest recognized cost of attendance at a public university.
new text end

new text begin (c) The scholarship shall be paid directly to the institution where the recipient is enrolled.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Employment obligation. new text end

new text begin (a) Beginning within six months of the completion
the academic program for which the scholarship was awarded, a scholarship recipient must:
new text end

new text begin (1) be licensed with the Minnesota board of social work; and
new text end

new text begin (2) be employed full time as a social worker in Minnesota for at least four years.
new text end

new text begin (b) A recipient who has completed the program for which the scholarship was awarded
but who has not fulfilled the total employment obligation must annually verify, in a form
and manner specified by the commissioner, that the recipient is employed in a position that
fulfills the employment obligation.
new text end

new text begin (c) If a recipient fails to meet the employment requirement, the commissioner shall
convert the recipient's total scholarship award to a student loan and collect from the
participant the total amount paid plus interest at a rate established according to section
270C.40.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner may waive or defer the employment obligation for a scholarship
recipient for continued graduate studies in social work or for circumstances involving
extreme hardship.
new text end

new text begin (e) Any obligation to fulfill the employment obligation cancels upon the death or
permanent and total disability of the scholarship recipient.
new text end

new text begin (f) The commissioner shall develop a contract to be signed by all scholarship applicants.
The contract shall bind the applicant to the employment obligation under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Insufficient appropriation. new text end

new text begin If the amount appropriated for this program is
determined by the office to be insufficient to make full awards to all eligible applicants, the
commissioner shall prioritize awards to eligible applicants based on the applicants' individual
financial needs as determined by the federal needs analysis.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Report required. new text end

new text begin By February 15 of each year, the commissioner of higher
education shall submit a report on the details of the program under this section to the
legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education finance and policy and to the
Legislative Reference Library as provided by Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195. The report
shall include the following information:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of students receiving an award in the previous year and the institutions
they attended;
new text end

new text begin (2) the average and total award amounts in the previous year, disaggregated by institution
attended;
new text end

new text begin (3) summary demographic data on award recipients in the previous year;
new text end

new text begin (4) data on recipients currently subject to the employment obligation under subdivision
4, including the number of recipients subject to the obligation, the number who are
successfully completing the obligation, the number who have had their scholarships converted
to loans, and the number who have had their obligation waived or deferred; and
new text end

new text begin (5) if the appropriation for the program was determined to be insufficient, an explanation
of measures taken under subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. The
commissioner shall begin offering scholarships under this section in the 2023-2024 academic
year.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIPS.
new text end

new text begin (a) $2,600,000 in fiscal year 2023 is appropriated from the general fund to the
commissioner of the Office of Higher Education for the social work scholarship program
under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1285.
new text end

new text begin (b) The office may use no more than three percent of the amount appropriated under
this section to administer the scholarship program.
new text end