1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to jobs training; decreasing the number of
1.3 	hours required in unsubsidized employment for job
1.4 	training and education opportunities; amending
1.5 	Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 256J.53, subdivision
1.6 	2.
1.7 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.8 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 256J.53,
1.9 	subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1.10 		Subd. 2.Approval of postsecondary education or
1.11 	training.  (a) In order for a postsecondary education or
1.12 	training program to be an approved activity in an employment
1.13 	plan, the participant must be working in unsubsidized employment
1.14 	at least 20 ten hours per week.
1.15 	(b) Participants seeking approval of a postsecondary
1.16 	education or training plan must provide documentation that:
1.17 	(1) the employment goal can only be met with the additional
1.18 	education or training;
1.19 	(2) there are suitable employment opportunities that
1.20 	require the specific education or training in the area in which
1.21 	the participant resides or is willing to reside;
1.22 	(3) the education or training will result in significantly
1.23 	higher wages for the participant than the participant could earn
1.24 	without the education or training;
1.25 	(4) the participant can meet the requirements for admission
1.26 	into the program; and
2.1 	(5) there is a reasonable expectation that the participant
2.2 	will complete the training program based on such factors as the
2.3 	participant's MFIP assessment, previous education, training, and
2.4 	work history; current motivation; and changes in previous
2.5 	circumstances.
2.6 	(c) The hourly unsubsidized employment requirement does not
2.7 	apply for intensive education or training programs lasting 12
2.8 	weeks or less when full-time attendance is required.
2.9 	(d) Participants with an approved employment plan in place
2.10 	on July 1, 2003, which includes more than 12 months of
2.11 	postsecondary education or training shall be allowed to complete
2.12 	that plan provided that hourly requirements in section 256J.55,
2.13 	subdivision 1, and conditions specified in paragraph (b), and
2.14 	subdivisions 3 and 5 are met.  A participant whose case is
2.15 	subsequently closed for three months or less for reasons other
2.16 	than noncompliance with program requirements and who returns to
2.17 	MFIP shall be allowed to complete that plan provided that hourly
2.18 	requirements in section 256J.55, subdivision 1, and conditions
2.19 	specified in paragraph (b) and subdivisions 3 and 5 are met.