<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>eligibility; establishing award procedures; establishing scholarship priorities; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>establishing powers and duties; modifying security requirements; regulating the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>use of certain revenues; providing for refunds; defining terms; making technical <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>corrections; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 136A.101, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>10; 136A.126, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 136A.127, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>6, by adding subdivisions; 136A.15, subdivision 6; 136A.16, subdivision 14; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>136A.62, subdivision 3; 136A.645; 136A.646; 136A.65, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>136F.581, by adding a subdivision; 141.25, subdivisions 7, 13, by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>subdivision; 141.251, subdivision 2; 141.28, subdivision 2; Minnesota Statutes <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>2009 Supplement, sections 136A.01, subdivision 2; 136A.101, subdivision 4; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>136A.127, subdivisions 2, 4; 299A.45, subdivision 1; 340A.404, subdivision 4a; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>Laws 2009, chapter 95, article 2, section 40; Laws 2010, chapter 215, article 2, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>sections 4, subdivision 3; 6; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>chapters 136A; 137.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>May 12, 2010<br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>The Honorable James P. Metzen<br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>President of the Senate<br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>The Honorable Margaret Anderson Kelliher<br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>Speaker of the House of Representatives<br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>We, the undersigned conferees for S.F. No. 184 report that we have agreed upon the <br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>items in dispute and recommend as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>That the House recede from its amendments and that S.F. No. 184 be further <br/>
<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>amended as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.28"></a><var>1.28</var>    "Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 135A.15, subdivision 1, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.1.29"></a><var>1.29</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.30"></a><var>1.30</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Policy required.</b> The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State <br/>
<a id="pl.1.31"></a><var>1.31</var>Colleges and Universities shall, and the University of Minnesota is requested to, adopt <br/>
<a id="pl.1.32"></a><var>1.32</var>a clear, understandable written policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence that <br/>
<a id="pl.1.33"></a><var>1.33</var>informs victims of their rights under the crime victims bill of rights, including the right to <br/>
<a id="pl.1.34"></a><var>1.34</var>assistance from the Crime Victims Reparations Board and the commissioner of public <br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>safety. The policy must apply to students and employees and must provide information <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>about their rights and duties. The policy must apply to criminal incidents occurring on <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>property owned by the postsecondary system or institution in which the victim is a <br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>student or employee of that system or institution. It must include procedures for reporting <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>incidents of sexual harassment or sexual violence and for disciplinary actions against <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>violators. During student registration, each technical college, community college, or state <br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>university shall, and the University of Minnesota is requested to, provide each student with <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>information regarding its policy. A copy of the policy also shall be posted at appropriate <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>locations on campus at all times. Each private postsecondary institution that is an eligible <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>institution as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>136A.101, subdivision 4</statute_ref> 136A.155, must adopt a policy <br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>that meets the requirements of this section.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 135A.155, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var><b>135A.155 HAZING POLICY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall, and <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>the University of Minnesota is requested to, adopt a clear, understandable written policy <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>on student conduct, including hazing. The policy must include procedures for reporting <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>incidents of inappropriate hazing and for disciplinary actions against individual violators <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>and organizations. The policy shall be made available to students by appropriate means as <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>determined by each institution, which may include publication in a student handbook or <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>other institutional publication, or posting by electronic display on the Internet, and shall <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>be posted at appropriate locations on campus. A private postsecondary institution that <br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>is an eligible institution as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>136A.101, subdivision 4</statute_ref> 136A.155, must <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>adopt a policy that meets the requirements of this section.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 135A.51, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Senior citizen.</b> "Senior citizen" means a person who has reached 62 66 <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>years of age before the beginning of any term, semester or quarter, in which a course of <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>study is pursued, or a person receiving a railroad retirement annuity who has reached 60 <br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>years of age before the beginning of the term.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 136A.01, subdivision 2, is <br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Responsibilities.</b> (a) The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>responsible for:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>(1) necessary state level administration of financial aid programs, including <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>accounting, auditing, and disbursing state and federal financial aid funds, and reporting on <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>financial aid programs to the governor and the legislature;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>(2) approval, registration, licensing, and financial aid eligibility of private collegiate <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>and career schools, under sections 
         <statute_ref>136A.61</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>136A.71</statute_ref> and chapter 141;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>(3) negotiating and administering reciprocity agreements;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>(4) publishing and distributing financial aid information and materials, and other <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>information and materials under section 
         <statute_ref>136A.87</statute_ref>, to students and parents;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>(5) collecting and maintaining student enrollment and financial aid data and <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>reporting data on students and postsecondary institutions to develop and implement a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>process to measure and report on the effectiveness of postsecondary institutions;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>(6) administering the federal programs that affect students and institutions on a <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>statewide basis; and<br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>(7) prescribing policies, procedures, and rules under chapter 14 necessary to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>administer the programs under its supervision.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>(b) The office may match individual student data from the student record enrollment <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>database with individual student financial aid data collected and maintained by the office <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>in order to audit or evaluate federal or state supported education programs as permitted by <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>United States Code, title 20, section 1232g(b)(3), and Code of Federal Regulations, title <br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>34, section 99.35. The office shall not release data that personally identifies parents or <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>students other than to employees and contractors of the office.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 136A.101, subdivision 4, is <br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Eligible institution.</b> "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary <br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>educational institution located in this state or in a state with which the office has entered <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>into a higher education reciprocity agreement on state student aid programs that (1) is <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, or (2) <br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>is operated privately and, as determined by the office, meets all of the following: (i) <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>maintains academic standards substantially equivalent to those of comparable institutions <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>operated in this state; (ii) is licensed or registered as a postsecondary institution by the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>office or another state agency; and (iii) by July 1, 2013, is participating in the federal <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>Pell Grant program under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended an <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>institution that meets the eligibility requirements under section 136A.103.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136A.101, subdivision 10, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>    Subd. 10. <b>Satisfactory academic progress.</b> "Satisfactory academic progress" <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>means that: satisfactory academic progress as defined under Code of Federal Regulations, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>title 34, sections 668.16(e), 668.32(f), and 668.34.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>(1) by the end of a student's second academic year of attendance at an institution, the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>student has at least a cumulative grade point average of C or its equivalent, or academic <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>standing consistent with the institution's graduation requirements; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>(2) by the end of the first term of the third and fourth academic year of attendance, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>the student has a cumulative grade point average of at least a C or its equivalent.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>    Sec. 7. <b>[136A.103] INSTITUTION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>    (a) A postsecondary institution is eligible for state student aid under chapter 136A <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>and sections 197.791 and 299A.45, if the institution is located in this state and: <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>    (1) is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota; <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>or<br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>    (2) is operated privately and, as determined by the office, meets the requirements of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>paragraph (b).<br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>    (b) A private institution must:<br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>    (1) maintain academic standards substantially equivalent to those of comparable <br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>institutions operated in this state;<br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>    (2) be licensed or registered as a postsecondary institution by the office; and<br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>    (3)(i) by July 1, 2010, participate in the federal Pell Grant program under Title IV of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>the Higher Education Act of 1965, Public Law 89-329, as amended; or<br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>    (ii) if an institution was participating in state student aid programs as of June 30, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>2010, and the institution did not participate in the federal Pell Grant program by June 30, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>2010, the institution must require every student who enrolls to sign a disclosure form, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>provided by the office, stating that the institution is not participating in the federal Pell <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>Grant program.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>    (c) An institution that offers only graduate-level degrees or graduate-level nondegree <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>programs, or that offers only degrees or programs that do not meet the required minimum <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>program length to participate in the federal Pell Grant program, is an eligible institution if <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>the institution is licensed or registered as a postsecondary institution by the office.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>    (d) An eligible institution under paragraph (b), clause (3), item (ii), that changes <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>ownership as defined in section 136A.63, subdivision 2, must participate in the federal <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>Pell Grant program within four calendar years of the first ownership change to continue <br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>eligibility.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>    (e) An institution that loses its eligibility for the federal Pell Grant program is not an <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>eligible institution.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136A.126, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Student eligibility.</b> The director of the Office of Higher Education <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>shall establish procedures for the distribution of scholarships to a Minnesota resident <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>student as defined under section 136A.101, subdivision 8, who: <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>    (1) is of one-fourth or more Indian ancestry; <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>    (2) has applied for other existing state and federal scholarship and grant programs; <br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>    (3) is meeting satisfactory academic progress as defined under section 136A.101, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>subdivision 10;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>(4) is not in default, as defined by the office, of a federal or state student educational <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>loan;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>(5) if enrolled in an undergraduate program, is eligible or would be eligible to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>receive a federal Pell Grant or a state grant based on the federal needs analysis and is <br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>enrolled for nine semester credits per term or more, or the equivalent; <br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>    (4) (6) if enrolled in a graduate program, demonstrates a remaining financial need in <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>the award amount calculation and is enrolled, per term, on a half-time basis or more as <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>defined by the postsecondary institution; and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>    (5) (7) in the opinion of the director of the Office of Higher Education, based upon <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>postsecondary institution recommendations, has the capabilities to benefit from further <br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>education. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136A.126, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Awarding procedure.</b> (a) Awards must be made on a first-come, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>first-served basis in the order complete applications are received. If there are multiple <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>applications with identical completion dates, those applications are further sorted by <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>application receipt date.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>(b) Awards are made to eligible students until the appropriation is expended.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>(c) Applicants not receiving a grant and for whom the office has received a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>completed application are placed on a waiting list in order of application completion date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.10.0"></a><a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 136A.127, subdivision 2, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Definition; qualifying program.</b> For the purposes of this section, a <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>"qualifying program" means a rigorous secondary school program of study defined <br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>for Minnesota high school graduates recognized by the Department of Education under <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>agreement with the Secretary of Education for the purposes of determining eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>for the federal Academic Competitiveness Grant Program under Title IV of the Higher <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>Education Act of 1965, as amended on August 14, 2008. If a qualifying program includes <br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>a foreign language requirement, the foreign language requirement is waived for a student <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>whose first language is not English and who attains English language proficiency.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.11.0"></a><a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 136A.127, subdivision 4, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Student eligibility.</b> To be eligible to receive a scholarship under this <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>section, in addition to the requirements listed under section 
         <statute_ref>136A.121</statute_ref>, a student must: <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>    (1) submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>    (2) complete a qualifying program in a high school or in a home-school setting <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>under section 
         <statute_ref>120A.22</statute_ref>, graduate from a Minnesota high school, and graduate with an <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>unweighted grade point average of 2.5 or higher; <br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>    (3) qualify for a federal Pell Grant or state grant under section 
         <statute_ref>136A.121</statute_ref>; <br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>    (4) be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen, as defined in section 484 of the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>Higher Education Act, United States Code, title 20, sections 1091 et seq., as amended, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>and Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 
         <statute_ref>668.33</statute_ref>; <br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>    (5) meet satisfactory academic progress as defined under section 136A.101, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>subdivision 10;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>(6) be a Minnesota resident, as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>136A.101, subdivision 8; and <br/>
</statute_ref><a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>    (6) (7) enroll full-time in a degree, diploma, or certificate program during the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>academic year immediately following high school graduation at an eligible institution as <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>defined under section 
         <statute_ref>136A.101, subdivision 4</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.12.0"></a><a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136A.15, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Eligible institution.</b> "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>educational institution that (1) is operated or regulated by this state or the Board of Regents <br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>of the University of Minnesota; (2) is operated publicly or privately in another state, is <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>approved by the United States Secretary of Education, and, as determined by the office, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>maintains academic standards substantially equal to those of comparable institutions <br/>
<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>operated in this state; (3) is licensed or registered as a postsecondary institution by the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>office or another state agency; and (4) by July 1, 2011, is participating in the federal Pell <br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>Grant program under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. It also <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>includes any institution chartered in a province an institution that meets the eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>requirements under section 136A.155.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.13.0"></a><a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>    Sec. 13. <b>[136A.155] ADDITIONAL INSTITUTION ELIGIBILITY </b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var><b>REQUIREMENTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>A postsecondary institution is an eligible institution for purposes of sections <br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>136A.15 to 136A.1702, if the institution:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>(1) meets the eligibility requirements under section 136A.103; or<br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>(2) is operated publicly or privately in another state, is approved by the United States <br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>Secretary of Education, and, as determined by the office, maintains academic standards <br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>substantially equal to those of comparable institutions operated in this state.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.14.0"></a><a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136A.16, subdivision 14, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>    Subd. 14. <b>Notes.</b> The office may sell at public or private sale, at the price or prices <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>determined by the office, any note or other instrument or obligation evidencing or securing <br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>a loan made by the office or its predecessor, including the Minnesota Higher Education <br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>Coordinating Board and the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.15.0"></a><a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136A.62, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>    Subd. 3. <b>School.</b> "School" means: <br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>    (1) any partnership, company, firm, society, trust, association, corporation, or any <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>combination thereof, which (i) is, owns, or operates a private, nonprofit postsecondary <br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>education institution; (ii) is, owns, or operates a private, for-profit postsecondary education <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>institution; or (iii) provides a postsecondary instructional program or course leading to a <br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>degree whether or not for profit; <br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>    (2) any public or private postsecondary educational institution located in another <br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>state or country which offers or makes available to a Minnesota resident any course, <br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>program or educational activity which does not require the leaving of the state for its <br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>completion; or<br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>    (3) any individual, entity, or postsecondary institution located in another state <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>that contracts with any school located within the state of Minnesota for the purpose of <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>providing educational programs, training programs, or awarding postsecondary credits <br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>or continuing education credits to Minnesota residents that may be applied to a degree <br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>program.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.16.0"></a><a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136A.645, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var><b>136A.645 SCHOOL CLOSURE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>    (a) When a school decides to cease postsecondary education operations, it must <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>cooperate with the office in assisting students to find alternative means to complete their <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>studies with a minimum of disruption, and inform the office of the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>    (1) the planned date for termination of postsecondary education operations;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>    (2) the planned date for the transfer of the student records;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>    (3) confirmation of the name and address of the organization to receive and hold <br/>
<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>the student records; and<br/>
<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>    (4) the official at the organization receiving the student records who is designated to <br/>
<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>provide official copies of records or transcripts upon request.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>    (b) Upon notice from a school of its intention to cease operations, the office shall <br/>
<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>notify the school of the date on which it must cease the enrollment of students and all <br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>postsecondary educational operations.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>    Without limitation as to other circumstance, a school shall be deemed to have ceased <br/>
<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>operations when the school:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>    (1) has an unscheduled nonemergency closure or cancellation of classes for more <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>than 24 hours without prior notice to the office;<br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>    (2) announces it is closed or closing; or <br/>
<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>    (3) files for bankruptcy.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.17.0"></a><a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136A.646, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var><b>136A.646 ADDITIONAL SECURITY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>    (a) In the event any registered institution is notified by the United States Department <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>of Education that it has fallen below minimum financial standards and that its continued <br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>participation in Title IV will be conditioned upon its satisfying either the Zone Alternative, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 
         <statute_ref>668.175</statute_ref>, paragraph (f), or a Letter of Credit <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>Alternative, Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 
         <statute_ref>668.175</statute_ref>, paragraph (c), the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>institution shall provide a surety bond conditioned upon the faithful performance of all <br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>contracts and agreements with students in a sum equal to the "letter of credit" required by <br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>the United States Department of Education in the Letter of Credit Alternative, but in no <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>event shall such bond be less than $10,000 nor more than $250,000.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>(b) In lieu of a bond, the applicant may deposit with the commissioner of <br/>
<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>management and budget: <br/>
<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>(1) a sum equal to the amount of the required surety bond in cash; or <br/>
<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>(2) securities, as may be legally purchased by savings banks or for trust funds, in an <br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>aggregate market value equal to the amount of the required surety bond.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.18.0"></a><a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 136F.581, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Food products grown in state.</b> Colleges and universities must make a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>reasonable attempt to identify and purchase food products that are grown within the state.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.19.0"></a><a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 141.25, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Refunds.</b> If a contract is deemed unenforceable under subdivision 2, a <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>school must refund tuition, fees, and other charges received from a student or on behalf <br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>of a student within 30 days of receiving written notification and demand for refund from <br/>
<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.20.0"></a><a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 141.25, subdivision 7, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Minimum standards.</b> A license shall be issued if the office first <br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>determines:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>    (1) that the applicant has a sound financial condition with sufficient resources <br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>available to:<br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>    (i) meet the school's financial obligations;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>    (ii) refund all tuition and other charges, within a reasonable period of time, in the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>event of dissolution of the school or in the event of any justifiable claims for refund against <br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>the school by the student body;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>    (iii) provide adequate service to its students and prospective students; and<br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>    (iv) maintain and support the school;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>    (2) that the applicant has satisfactory facilities with sufficient tools and equipment <br/>
<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>and the necessary number of work stations to prepare adequately the students currently <br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>enrolled, and those proposed to be enrolled;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>    (3) that the applicant employs a sufficient number of qualified teaching personnel to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>provide the educational programs contemplated;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>    (4) that the school has an organizational framework with administrative and <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>instructional personnel to provide the programs and services it intends to offer;<br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>    (5) that the premises and conditions under which the students work and study are <br/>
<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>sanitary, healthful, and safe, according to modern standards;<br/>
<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>    (6) that the quality and content of each occupational course or program of study <br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>provides education and adequate preparation to enrolled students for entry level positions <br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>in the occupation for which prepared;<br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>    (7) that the living quarters which are owned, maintained, recommended, or approved <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>by the applicant for students are sanitary and safe;<br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>    (8) that the contract or enrollment agreement used by the school complies with <br/>
<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>the provisions in section 
         <statute_ref>141.265</statute_ref>; <br/>
<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>    (9) that contracts and agreements do not contain a wage assignment provision or a <br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>confession of judgment clause; and<br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>    (10) that there has been no adjudication of fraud or misrepresentation in any <br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding in any jurisdiction against the school or its <br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>owner, officers, agents, or sponsoring organization.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.21.0"></a><a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 141.25, subdivision 13, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>    Subd. 13.  <b>Schools licensed by another state agency or board.</b> A school required <br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>to obtain a private career school license due to the use of "academy," "institute," "college," <br/>
<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>or "university" in its name or licensed for the purpose of participating in state financial aid <br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>under chapter 136A, and which is also licensed by another state agency or board shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>required to satisfy only the requirements of subdivisions 3, clauses (1), (2), (3), (5), (7), <br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>and (10); 4; 5, paragraph (b), clause (2); 7, clauses (1) and (10); 8; 9, clause (13); and 12. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.22.0"></a><a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 141.251, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Conditions.</b> The office shall adopt rules establishing the conditions for <br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>renewal of a license. The conditions shall permit two levels of renewal based on the record <br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>of the school. A school that has demonstrated the quality of its program and operation <br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>through longevity and performance in the state may renew its license based on a relaxed <br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>standard of scrutiny. A school that has been in operation in Minnesota for a limited period <br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>of time or that has not performed adequately on performance indicators shall renew its <br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>license based on a strict standard of scrutiny. The office shall specify minimum longevity <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>standards and performance indicators that must be met before a school may be permitted <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>to operate under the relaxed standard of scrutiny. The performance indicators used in this <br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>determination shall include, but not be limited to: degree granting status, regional or <br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>national accreditation, loan default rates, placement rate of graduates, student withdrawal <br/>
<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>rates, audit results, student complaints, and school status with the United States <br/>
<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>Department of Education. Schools that meet the requirements established in rule shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.10.34"></a><var>10.34</var>required to submit a full relicensure report once every four years, and in the interim years <br/>
<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>will be exempt from the requirements of section 
         <statute_ref>141.25, subdivision 3</statute_ref>, clauses (4), (5), <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>and (8), and Minnesota Rules, parts 4880.1700, subpart 6; and 4880.2100, subpart 4.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.23.0"></a><a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 141.28, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Unlawful designation.</b> No school organized after November 15, 1969, <br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>shall apply to itself either as a part of its name or in any other manner the designation of <br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>"college" or "university" unless such school applies for and receives certification from the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>office that it meets appropriate standards and is entitled to such designation. Operating <br/>
<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var>schools now using such designation may continue use thereof.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.24.0"></a><a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 474A.04, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Entitlement transfers.</b> An entitlement issuer may enter into an agreement <br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>with another entitlement issuer whereby the recipient entitlement issuer issues obligations <br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>pursuant to bonding authority allocated to the original entitlement issuer under this <br/>
<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>section. An entitlement issuer may enter into an agreement with an issuer which is not <br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>an entitlement issuer whereby the recipient issuer issues qualified mortgage bonds, up to <br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>$100,000 of which are issued pursuant to bonding authority allocated to the original <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>entitlement issuer under this section. The agreement may be approved and executed by the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var>mayor of the entitlement issuer with or without approval or review by the city council. <br/>
<a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>Notwithstanding section 474A.091, subdivision 4, prior to December 1, the Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>Housing Finance Agency, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, and Minnesota Rural <br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>Finance Authority may transfer allocated bonding authority made available under this <br/>
<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>chapter to one another under an agreement by each agency and the commissioner.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.25.0"></a><a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 474A.091, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Allocation procedure.</b> (a) The commissioner shall allocate available <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>bonding authority under this section on the Monday of every other week beginning with <br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>the first Monday in August through and on the last Monday in November. Applications <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>for allocations must be received by the department by 4:30 p.m. on the Monday preceding <br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>the Monday on which allocations are to be made. If a Monday falls on a holiday, the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>allocation will be made or the applications must be received by the next business day <br/>
<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>after the holiday.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>    (b) Prior to October 1, only the following applications shall be awarded allocations <br/>
<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>from the unified pool. Allocations shall be awarded in the following order of priority:<br/>
<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>    (1) applications for residential rental project bonds;<br/>
<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>    (2) applications for small issue bonds for manufacturing projects; and<br/>
<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>    (3) applications for small issue bonds for agricultural development bond loan <br/>
<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>projects.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>    (c) On the first Monday in October through the last Monday in November, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>allocations shall be awarded from the unified pool in the following order of priority:<br/>
<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>    (1) applications for student loan bonds issued by or on behalf of the Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>Office of Higher Education;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>    (2) applications for mortgage bonds;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>    (3) applications for public facility projects funded by public facility bonds;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>    (4) applications for small issue bonds for manufacturing projects;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>    (5) applications for small issue bonds for agricultural development bond loan <br/>
<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>projects;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>    (6) applications for residential rental project bonds;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>    (7) applications for enterprise zone facility bonds;<br/>
<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>    (8) applications for governmental bonds; and<br/>
<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>    (9) applications for redevelopment bonds.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>    (d) If there are two or more applications for manufacturing projects from the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>unified pool and there is insufficient bonding authority to provide allocations for all <br/>
<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>manufacturing projects in any one allocation period, the available bonding authority shall <br/>
<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>be awarded based on the number of points awarded a project under section 
         <statute_ref>474A.045</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>with those projects receiving the greatest number of points receiving allocation first. If <br/>
<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>two or more applications for manufacturing projects receive an equal amount of points, <br/>
<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>available bonding authority shall be awarded by lot unless otherwise agreed to by the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>respective issuers. <br/>
<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>    (e) If there are two or more applications for enterprise zone facility projects from <br/>
<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>the unified pool and there is insufficient bonding authority to provide allocations for <br/>
<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>all enterprise zone facility projects in any one allocation period, the available bonding <br/>
<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>authority shall be awarded based on the number of points awarded a project under section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var>474A.045
         </statute_ref> with those projects receiving the greatest number of points receiving allocation <br/>
<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>first. If two or more applications for enterprise zone facility projects receive an equal <br/>
<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>amount of points, available bonding authority shall be awarded by lot unless otherwise <br/>
<a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var>agreed to by the respective issuers. <br/>
<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>    (f) If there are two or more applications for residential rental projects from the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>unified pool and there is insufficient bonding authority to provide allocations for all <br/>
<a id="pl.12.34"></a><var>12.34</var>residential rental projects in any one allocation period, the available bonding authority <br/>
<a id="pl.12.35"></a><var>12.35</var>shall be awarded in the following order of priority: (1) projects that preserve existing <br/>
<a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>federally subsidized housing; (2) projects that are not restricted to persons who are 55 <br/>
<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var>years of age or older; and (3) other residential rental projects.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var>    (g) From the first Monday in August through the last Monday in November, <br/>
<a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var>$20,000,000 of bonding authority or an amount equal to the total annual amount of <br/>
<a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>bonding authority allocated to the small issue pool under section 
         <statute_ref>474A.03, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>less the amount allocated to issuers from the small issue pool for that year, whichever is <br/>
<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>less, is reserved within the unified pool for small issue bonds to the extent such amounts <br/>
<a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var>are available within the unified pool. <br/>
<a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>    (h) The total amount of allocations for mortgage bonds from the housing pool and <br/>
<a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>the unified pool may not exceed:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var>    (1) $10,000,000 for any one city; or<br/>
<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>    (2) $20,000,000 for any number of cities in any one county.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>    (i) The total amount of allocations for student loan bonds from the unified pool may <br/>
<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>not exceed $10,000,000 $25,000,000 per year.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>    (j) If there is insufficient bonding authority to fund all projects within any qualified <br/>
<a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>bond category other than enterprise zone facility projects, manufacturing projects, and <br/>
<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>residential rental projects, allocations shall be awarded by lot unless otherwise agreed to <br/>
<a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>by the respective issuers.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>    (k) If an application is rejected, the commissioner must notify the applicant and <br/>
<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>return the application deposit to the applicant within 30 days unless the applicant requests <br/>
<a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>in writing that the application be resubmitted.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>    (l) The granting of an allocation of bonding authority under this section must be <br/>
<a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var>evidenced by issuance of a certificate of allocation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.26.0"></a><a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var>    Sec. 26. Laws 2009, chapter 95, article 2, section 40, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>    Sec. 40. <b>TEACHER EDUCATION REPORT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var>The Minnesota Office of Higher Education and Minnesota Department of Education <br/>
<a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>must report to the committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over teacher education on <br/>
<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>best practices in innovative teacher education programs and teacher education research. <br/>
<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>The report must include, at a minimum, information on:<br/>
<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var>(1) teacher education preparation program curricula that will prepare prospective <br/>
<a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>teachers to teach an increasingly diverse student population;<br/>
<a id="pl.13.32"></a><var>13.32</var>(2) opportunities for mid-career professionals employed in professions in which <br/>
<a id="pl.13.33"></a><var>13.33</var>there is a shortage of teachers to pursue a teaching career; and<br/>
<a id="pl.13.34"></a><var>13.34</var>(3) enhancing the ability of teachers to use technology in the classroom.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.35"></a><var>13.35</var>The report must be submitted by June August 15, 2010.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.27.0"></a><a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>    Sec. 27. Laws 2010, chapter 215, article 2, section 4, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<table>
<col width="50px"/>
<col width="21.5"/>
<col width="2.5"/>
<col width="12"/>
<col width="2.5"/>
<col width="12"/>
<col width="2.5"/>
<col width="12"/>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var><br/>
</td>
<td colspan="3">Subd. 3.<b>Operations and Maintenance</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center"></td>
<td align="right">-0-<br/>
</td>
<td align="center"></td>
<td align="right">(9,967,000)<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>For fiscal years 2012 and 2013, the base for <br/>
<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>operations and maintenance is $592,792,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>$580,802,000 each year.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.28.0"></a><a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var>    Sec. 28. Laws 2010, chapter 215, article 2, section 6, the effective date, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment <br/>
<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>for grants made on and after July 1, 2010.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.29.0"></a><a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>    Sec. 29. <b>STUDY OF CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS; EDUCATIONAL </b><br/>
<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var><b>CAREER PATH.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var>    The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, in conjunction <br/>
<a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, representatives of industry groups, and labor <br/>
<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>unions, shall study the program requirements for certificates and diplomas awarded by <br/>
<a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to determine the feasibility of designing <br/>
<a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>technical education programs to allow students to have more opportunities to earn <br/>
<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>credentials with lower credit requirements that could be combined into higher level <br/>
<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>certificates or diplomas. The study must consult with business and industry representatives <br/>
<a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var>as well as labor unions and faculty on the types of credentials that would be recognized for <br/>
<a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var>employment purposes. In addition, the study must address the feasibility of increasing <br/>
<a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var>the capacity to accumulate credentials in related programs into an educational career path <br/>
<a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var>leading to a diploma or degree. The study must also address the need for workers in <br/>
<a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var>other fields and take into account other job training programs provided by labor unions <br/>
<a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var>and business.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var>    The board must report the study findings to the committees of the legislature with <br/>
<a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var>responsibility for postsecondary education finance by February 15, 2011.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.30.0"></a><a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var>    Sec. 30. <b>STREAMLINED MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND </b><br/>
<a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var><b>UNIVERSITIES SYSTEM OFFICE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var>    Notwithstanding any law or policy to the contrary, the Board of Trustees of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var>Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall streamline services provided through <br/>
<a id="pl.14.31"></a><var>14.31</var>the system's central service office to reduce expenditures, better target the use of state <br/>
<a id="pl.14.32"></a><var>14.32</var>resources, and provide services at the most appropriate and efficient level so as not <br/>
<a id="pl.15.1"></a><var>15.1</var>to duplicate any services provided at the institutional level. These actions must be <br/>
<a id="pl.15.2"></a><var>15.2</var>implemented so as to achieve budgetary savings and efficiencies in delivery of services <br/>
<a id="pl.15.3"></a><var>15.3</var>and the accomplishment of the academic mission. The board must revise any board <br/>
<a id="pl.15.4"></a><var>15.4</var>policies in a way that is consistent with the requirements of this section.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.31.0"></a><a id="pl.15.5"></a><var>15.5</var>    Sec. 31. <b>POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM </b><br/>
<a id="pl.15.6"></a><var>15.6</var><b>REIMBURSEMENT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.15.7"></a><var>15.7</var>    The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system shall waive premium <br/>
<a id="pl.15.8"></a><var>15.8</var>reimbursement payments including any late payment charges, fees, penalties, or interest <br/>
<a id="pl.15.9"></a><var>15.9</var>payments imposed on overdue health insurance premium reimbursements owed by a <br/>
<a id="pl.15.10"></a><var>15.10</var>college retiree to the college under a contractual or collective bargaining agreement <br/>
<a id="pl.15.11"></a><var>15.11</var>providing for postretirement health insurance benefits arising from employment under <br/>
<a id="pl.15.12"></a><var>15.12</var>a contract or collective bargaining agreement with a school district or technical college <br/>
<a id="pl.15.13"></a><var>15.13</var>prior to July 1, 1995, and who became an employee of Minnesota State Colleges and <br/>
<a id="pl.15.14"></a><var>15.14</var>Universities on July 1, 1995. This section applies only if the college has failed to bill <br/>
<a id="pl.15.15"></a><var>15.15</var>the retiree for the premium reimbursement payments as required under the applicable <br/>
<a id="pl.15.16"></a><var>15.16</var>collective bargaining or contractual agreement, or if not otherwise established, within 90 <br/>
<a id="pl.15.17"></a><var>15.17</var>days following the date on which the premium was due.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.18"></a><var>15.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.32.0"></a><a id="pl.15.19"></a><var>15.19</var>    Sec. 32. <b>SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS PILOT PROJECT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.15.20"></a><var>15.20</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Surgical technologists; training and employment pilot project.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.15.21"></a><var>15.21</var>The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall establish a pilot <br/>
<a id="pl.15.22"></a><var>15.22</var>project to develop partnerships and training and employment opportunities for surgical <br/>
<a id="pl.15.23"></a><var>15.23</var>technologists. The pilot project must develop partnerships between a health care facility <br/>
<a id="pl.15.24"></a><var>15.24</var>located within 25 miles of an accredited surgical technologist program offered by a <br/>
<a id="pl.15.25"></a><var>15.25</var>Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institution and the institution. The partnerships <br/>
<a id="pl.15.26"></a><var>15.26</var>must promote the employment and retention of surgical technologists, working in <br/>
<a id="pl.15.27"></a><var>15.27</var>accordance with law, regulations, including Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, <br/>
<a id="pl.15.28"></a><var>15.28</var>section 482.51, and contract provisions, who have successfully completed an accredited <br/>
<a id="pl.15.29"></a><var>15.29</var>educational program and who hold and maintain a certified surgical technology credential <br/>
<a id="pl.15.30"></a><var>15.30</var>from a nationally recognized and accredited surgical technologist certifying body.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.31"></a><var>15.31</var>This subdivision expires June 30, 2014.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.32"></a><var>15.32</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Report.</b> The board of trustees shall report on the pilot project under this <br/>
<a id="pl.15.33"></a><var>15.33</var>section to the appropriate legislative chairs by January 1, 2013, with recommendations <br/>
<a id="pl.16.1"></a><var>16.1</var>to enhance surgical technologist training and to ensure an adequate supply of surgical <br/>
<a id="pl.16.2"></a><var>16.2</var>technologist graduates to meet the needs of facilities.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.33.0"></a><a id="pl.16.3"></a><var>16.3</var>    Sec. 33. <b>PILOT PROJECT; LOCAL DEPOSIT OF RESERVES OF </b><br/>
<a id="pl.16.4"></a><var>16.4</var><b>MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.16.5"></a><var>16.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Establishment.</b> To increase the distribution of potential economic <br/>
<a id="pl.16.6"></a><var>16.6</var>benefit of deposits of reserve funds of the institutions of Minnesota State Colleges and <br/>
<a id="pl.16.7"></a><var>16.7</var>Universities, a pilot project is established to transfer certain reserve deposits of selected <br/>
<a id="pl.16.8"></a><var>16.8</var>institutions from the state treasury to a community financial institution. Notwithstanding <br/>
<a id="pl.16.9"></a><var>16.9</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.27, by January 2, 2011, the commissioner of management <br/>
<a id="pl.16.10"></a><var>16.10</var>and budget shall transfer the specified amount of board-required reserve funds of colleges <br/>
<a id="pl.16.11"></a><var>16.11</var>and universities selected by the board of trustees under subdivision 2, to a community <br/>
<a id="pl.16.12"></a><var>16.12</var>financial institution designated for each of the participating colleges and universities.<br/>
<a id="pl.16.13"></a><var>16.13</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Participating colleges and universities.</b> By August 15, 2010, colleges <br/>
<a id="pl.16.14"></a><var>16.14</var>and universities may apply to the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and <br/>
<a id="pl.16.15"></a><var>16.15</var>Universities for participation in the pilot project. Each applicant must designate one <br/>
<a id="pl.16.16"></a><var>16.16</var>or more community financial institutions for the deposit of a specified amount of <br/>
<a id="pl.16.17"></a><var>16.17</var>board-required reserves, with the terms of the deposit for each designated community <br/>
<a id="pl.16.18"></a><var>16.18</var>financial institution. The designated community financial institution must be located in the <br/>
<a id="pl.16.19"></a><var>16.19</var>geographic area of a participating campus. From the applicants, the board shall select up to <br/>
<a id="pl.16.20"></a><var>16.20</var>eight postsecondary institutions to participate in the local deposit pilot project. In making <br/>
<a id="pl.16.21"></a><var>16.21</var>its selection, the board must consider the size of the institution's reserves and the terms <br/>
<a id="pl.16.22"></a><var>16.22</var>offered by the designated community financial institutions. Unless there are not sufficient <br/>
<a id="pl.16.23"></a><var>16.23</var>applicants, two-year and four-year institutions must be selected to participate in the pilot <br/>
<a id="pl.16.24"></a><var>16.24</var>project and the majority of the selected institutions must be located in greater Minnesota.<br/>
<a id="pl.16.25"></a><var>16.25</var>    By December 1, 2010, the board must notify the commissioner of management and <br/>
<a id="pl.16.26"></a><var>16.26</var>budget of the participating colleges and universities, the deposit amount for each institution <br/>
<a id="pl.16.27"></a><var>16.27</var>and the associated community financial institutions. The pilot project shall provide for the <br/>
<a id="pl.16.28"></a><var>16.28</var>transfer of deposits for no more than the period January 2, 2011, to December 31, 2012.<br/>
<a id="pl.16.29"></a><var>16.29</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Community financial institution.</b> As used in this section, "community <br/>
<a id="pl.16.30"></a><var>16.30</var>financial institution" means a federally insured bank or credit union, chartered as a bank <br/>
<a id="pl.16.31"></a><var>16.31</var>or credit union by the state of Minnesota or the United States, that is headquartered in <br/>
<a id="pl.16.32"></a><var>16.32</var>Minnesota and that has no more than $2,500,000,000 in assets.<br/>
<a id="pl.17.1"></a><var>17.1</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Evaluation and report.</b> The commissioner of management and budget and <br/>
<a id="pl.17.2"></a><var>17.2</var>the board of trustees shall independently evaluate the effectiveness or harm of the local <br/>
<a id="pl.17.3"></a><var>17.3</var>deposit pilot project in increasing the use of community financial institutions and providing <br/>
<a id="pl.17.4"></a><var>17.4</var>wider distribution of the economic benefit of the deposit of postsecondary reserves. Each <br/>
<a id="pl.17.5"></a><var>17.5</var>evaluation must include the participating colleges, universities, and community financial <br/>
<a id="pl.17.6"></a><var>17.6</var>institutions. The commissioner of management and budget and the board shall report on <br/>
<a id="pl.17.7"></a><var>17.7</var>the pilot project evaluation to the appropriate committees of the legislature by February 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.17.8"></a><var>17.8</var>2013, with recommendations on the future implementation of the pilot project.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.34.0"></a><a id="pl.17.9"></a><var>17.9</var>    Sec. 34. <b>NANOTECHNOLOGY REPORT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.17.10"></a><var>17.10</var>By February 1, 2011, the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota are <br/>
<a id="pl.17.11"></a><var>17.11</var>requested to, and the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities <br/>
<a id="pl.17.12"></a><var>17.12</var>shall, study nanotechnology research and education and report to the committees of the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.13"></a><var>17.13</var>legislature with responsibility for higher education, economic development, environment, <br/>
<a id="pl.17.14"></a><var>17.14</var>and public health on the ethical issues and the principles for nanotechnology research and <br/>
<a id="pl.17.15"></a><var>17.15</var>development and education they utilize in their institutions and nanotechnology initiatives. <br/>
<a id="pl.17.16"></a><var>17.16</var>The report must assess ways they ensure that nanotechnology is used responsibly through <br/>
<a id="pl.17.17"></a><var>17.17</var>standards and guidelines that protect public health and the environment and provide for <br/>
<a id="pl.17.18"></a><var>17.18</var>occupational health and safety.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.35.0"></a><a id="pl.17.19"></a><var>17.19</var>    Sec. 35. <b>FEDERAL HEALTH CARE REFORM.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.17.20"></a><var>17.20</var>The regents of the University of Minnesota are requested to direct the area health <br/>
<a id="pl.17.21"></a><var>17.21</var>education centers to conduct public education related to the provisions of federal health <br/>
<a id="pl.17.22"></a><var>17.22</var>care reform legislation, as enacted under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, <br/>
<a id="pl.17.23"></a><var>17.23</var>Public Law 111-148, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, Public Law <br/>
<a id="pl.17.24"></a><var>17.24</var>111-152, and the potential impacts of federal health care reform to Minnesota citizens, <br/>
<a id="pl.17.25"></a><var>17.25</var>employers, and health care providers.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.36.0"></a><a id="pl.17.26"></a><var>17.26</var>    Sec. 36. <b>MONITORING OF FEDERAL POSTSECONDARY TEXTBOOK </b><br/>
<a id="pl.17.27"></a><var>17.27</var><b>DISCLOSURE LAW.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.17.28"></a><var>17.28</var>The Office of Higher Education shall monitor the implementation of the Higher <br/>
<a id="pl.17.29"></a><var>17.29</var>Education Opportunity Act, Public Law 110-315, as it relates to disclosure of textbook <br/>
<a id="pl.17.30"></a><var>17.30</var>pricing and other information to students. The monitoring shall be done in a manner that <br/>
<a id="pl.17.31"></a><var>17.31</var>the office determines will allow it to determine whether students are receiving information <br/>
<a id="pl.17.32"></a><var>17.32</var>required or encouraged to be disclosed to students under the act. The office shall report the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.33"></a><var>17.33</var>results of its monitoring along with any recommendations for legislation to the chairs and <br/>
<a id="pl.18.1"></a><var>18.1</var>ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over <br/>
<a id="pl.18.2"></a><var>18.2</var>higher education finance and policy by February 1, 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.3"></a><var>18.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.37.0"></a><a id="pl.18.4"></a><var>18.4</var>    Sec. 37. <b>REDUCTION IN GRANTS FOR INSUFFICIENT APPROPRIATIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.18.5"></a><var>18.5</var>In fiscal year 2011, the dollar amount reductions in state grants under Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.18.6"></a><var>18.6</var>Statutes, section 136A.121, subdivision 7, may be approximately equal for the surcharge <br/>
<a id="pl.18.7"></a><var>18.7</var>on family responsibility and the percentage increase on the assigned student responsibility. <br/>
<a id="pl.18.8"></a><var>18.8</var>The Minnesota Office of Higher Education may reserve up to five percent of the projected <br/>
<a id="pl.18.9"></a><var>18.9</var>demand for grant awards in fiscal year 2011 to manage uncertainty of demand based on <br/>
<a id="pl.18.10"></a><var>18.10</var>enrollment or income changes of applicants. After reduced grant awards are made for <br/>
<a id="pl.18.11"></a><var>18.11</var>fiscal year 2011, the office must distribute any remaining funds to increase the living and <br/>
<a id="pl.18.12"></a><var>18.12</var>miscellaneous expenses allowance consistent with the office's distribution of surplus <br/>
<a id="pl.18.13"></a><var>18.13</var>appropriations under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.121, subdivision 7a; provided <br/>
<a id="pl.18.14"></a><var>18.14</var>that if the office determines that the remaining funds are less than $1,500,000 the office <br/>
<a id="pl.18.15"></a><var>18.15</var>may, in lieu of increasing the allowance, transfer all of the remaining funds to the state <br/>
<a id="pl.18.16"></a><var>18.16</var>work-study program.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.0.38.0"></a><a id="pl.18.17"></a><var>18.17</var>    Sec. 38.<b>CREDIT TRANSFER; MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND </b><br/>
<a id="pl.18.18"></a><var>18.18</var><b>UNIVERSITIES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.18.19"></a><var>18.19</var>    (a) The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must <br/>
<a id="pl.18.20"></a><var>18.20</var>develop and implement a plan to improve credit transfers within the system. At a <br/>
<a id="pl.18.21"></a><var>18.21</var>minimum, the board must:<br/>
<a id="pl.18.22"></a><var>18.22</var>    (1) enhance information on transferring and tracking credits;<br/>
<a id="pl.18.23"></a><var>18.23</var>    (2) improve training for all staff involved with credit transfer;<br/>
<a id="pl.18.24"></a><var>18.24</var>    (3) identify discrepancies in transferring and accepting credits by institutions within <br/>
<a id="pl.18.25"></a><var>18.25</var>the system and devise methods to improve the uniform treatment of credit transfers; and<br/>
<a id="pl.18.26"></a><var>18.26</var>(4) require, to the extent feasible, institutional rather than student obligation to <br/>
<a id="pl.18.27"></a><var>18.27</var>provide prompt required documentation for course equivalency determinations.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.28"></a><var>18.28</var>    (b) The board may convene working groups of affected faculty, staff, students, and <br/>
<a id="pl.18.29"></a><var>18.29</var>administrators representing institutions and academic and technical disciplines in the <br/>
<a id="pl.18.30"></a><var>18.30</var>system to work on issues and barriers to credit transfer.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.31"></a><var>18.31</var>(c) The board must provide systemwide transfer information on the Internet that is <br/>
<a id="pl.18.32"></a><var>18.32</var>easily accessible and maintained in a current and accurate status. Each system college <br/>
<a id="pl.18.33"></a><var>18.33</var>and university shall post information necessary to determine the transferability of course <br/>
<a id="pl.18.34"></a><var>18.34</var>credits on their institutional Web sites. The working groups must develop a template to be <br/>
<a id="pl.19.1"></a><var>19.1</var>used by the colleges and universities to ensure consistency in the information available to <br/>
<a id="pl.19.2"></a><var>19.2</var>students. The links to each institution's informational Web site shall be submitted to the <br/>
<a id="pl.19.3"></a><var>19.3</var>office of the chancellor for publication on the MinnesotaTransfer.org Web site.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.4"></a><var>19.4</var>    (d) The board shall report on February 15, 2011, and annually thereafter through <br/>
<a id="pl.19.5"></a><var>19.5</var>2014, on its activities to achieve the credit transfer goals in this section and the results <br/>
<a id="pl.19.6"></a><var>19.6</var>of those activities. The report shall be made to the chairs and ranking minority members <br/>
<a id="pl.19.7"></a><var>19.7</var>of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over higher education policy and <br/>
<a id="pl.19.8"></a><var>19.8</var>finance. The goals of this section should be fully achieved as soon as possible, but no later <br/>
<a id="pl.19.9"></a><var>19.9</var>than the start of the 2015-2016 academic year."<br/>
<a id="pl.19.10"></a><var>19.10</var>Delete the title and insert:<br/>

<a id="pl.19.13"></a><var>19.13</var>eligibility; establishing award procedures; establishing scholarship priorities; <br/>
<a id="pl.19.14"></a><var>19.14</var>establishing powers and duties; providing for school closures; modifying <br/>
<a id="pl.19.15"></a><var>19.15</var>security requirements; regulating the use of certain revenues; providing for <br/>
<a id="pl.19.16"></a><var>19.16</var>refunds; modifying licensure provisions related to certain schools; providing <br/>
<a id="pl.19.17"></a><var>19.17</var>for certain bond transfers and allocations; reducing appropriation base for <br/>
<a id="pl.19.18"></a><var>19.18</var>MNSCU operations and maintenance; requiring MNSCU to streamline services; <br/>
<a id="pl.19.19"></a><var>19.19</var>allowing certain postretirement health insurance premium reimbursement; <br/>
<a id="pl.19.20"></a><var>19.20</var>allowing reserve of grant funds; establishing pilot projects; defining terms; <br/>
<a id="pl.19.21"></a><var>19.21</var>making technical corrections; requiring studies, reports, monitoring, and <br/>
<a id="pl.19.22"></a><var>19.22</var>public education; governing reductions in grants; providing for credit transfer <br/>
<a id="pl.19.23"></a><var>19.23</var>improvements;amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 135A.15, <br/>
<a id="pl.19.24"></a><var>19.24</var>subdivision 1; 135A.155; 135A.51, subdivision 2; 136A.101, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.19.25"></a><var>19.25</var>10; 136A.126, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 136A.15, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.19.26"></a><var>19.26</var>6; 136A.16, subdivision 14; 136A.62, subdivision 3; 136A.645; 136A.646; <br/>
<a id="pl.19.27"></a><var>19.27</var>136F.581, by adding a subdivision; 141.25, subdivisions 7, 13, by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.19.28"></a><var>19.28</var>subdivision; 141.251, subdivision 2; 141.28, subdivision 2; 474A.04, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.19.29"></a><var>19.29</var>6; 474A.091, subdivision 3; Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, sections <br/>
<a id="pl.19.30"></a><var>19.30</var>136A.01, subdivision 2; 136A.101, subdivision 4; 136A.127, subdivisions 2, 4; <br/>
<a id="pl.19.31"></a><var>19.31</var>Laws 2009, chapter 95, article 2, section 40; Laws 2010, chapter 215, article 2, <br/>
<a id="pl.19.32"></a><var>19.32</var>sections 4, subdivision 3; 6; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, <br/>
<a id="pl.19.33"></a><var>19.33</var>chapter 136A."<br/>
<table>
<col width="50px"/>
<col width="252px"/>
<col width="42px"/>
<col width="252px"/>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.1"></a><var>20.1</var><br/>
</td>
<td colspan="3">We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.2"></a><var>20.2</var><br/>
</td>
<td>Senate Conferees:<br/>
<span width="2em"></span></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.3"></a><var>20.3</var><br/>
</td>
<td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.4"></a><var>20.4</var><br/>
</td>
<td>Sandra Pappas<br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td>Claire Robling<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.5"></a><var>20.5</var><br/>
</td>
<td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.6"></a><var>20.6</var><br/>
</td>
<td>Ron Latz<br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.7"></a><var>20.7</var><br/>
</td>
<td>House Conferees:<br/>
<span width="2em"></span></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.8"></a><var>20.8</var><br/>
</td>
<td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.9"></a><var>20.9</var><br/>
</td>
<td>Tom Rukavina<br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td>Roger Reinert<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.10"></a><var>20.10</var><br/>
</td>
<td><span>
                     							.....
                     						</span><br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.11"></a><var>20.11</var><br/>
</td>
<td>Carol McFarlane<br/>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</table>