1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to higher education; requiring a vote to increase optional student fees;
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136F.06, subdivision 1; proposing 
1.4 	coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 135A.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. [135A.043] OPTIONAL STUDENT LIFE OR ACTIVITY FEES.
1.7 	Beginning in the 2010-2011 academic year, an increase in optional student life, 
1.8 	student activity, or special activity fees at a public postsecondary institution or campus 
1.9 	over the amount of the fees charged to students at that institution or campus in the previous 
1.10 	academic year must be approved by a vote of the student body at that institution or campus. 
1.11 	The governing board of the public postsecondary institution must not approve any increase 
1.12 	in fees until approved by a majority of students voting in a campus election. This section 
1.13 	does not apply to fees paid by students if the fees are directly related to educational or 
1.14 	health services, or to a specific fee that an individual student may choose not to pay.

1.15 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136F.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1.16 		Subdivision 1.General authority. The board shall possess all powers necessary 
1.17 	to govern the state colleges and universities and all related property. Those powers shall 
1.18 	include, but are not limited to, those enumerated in this section. The board shall prescribe 
1.19 	conditions of admission, set tuition and fees, approve programs of study and requirements 
1.20 	for completion of programs, approve the awarding of appropriate certificates, diplomas, 
1.21 	and degrees, enter into contracts and other agreements, and adopt suitable policies for the 
1.22 	institutions it governs. To the extent practicable in protecting statewide interests, the 
1.23 	board shall provide autonomy to the campuses while holding them accountable for their 
2.1 	decisions. Sections 14.01 to 14.47 do not apply to policies and procedures of the board. 
2.2 	Section 135A.043 applies to fees approved by the board.