HF 2991

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/01/2025 11:25 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to workforce development; requiring a report; appropriating money for a
grant to the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers for a program for Black
Minnesota undergraduates exploring law school and legal careers.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS; MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF BLACK
LAWYERS.
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new text begin (a) $350,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $350,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from
the workforce development fund to the commissioner of employment and economic
development for a grant to the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers to be used for a
program supporting Black undergraduate students pursuing admission to law school.
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new text begin (b) The program under paragraph (a) must:
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new text begin (1) enroll Black Minnesota resident students attending a baccalaureate degree-granting
postsecondary institution in Minnesota full-time;
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new text begin (2) support each of the program's students with an academic scholarship in the amount
of $4,000 per academic year;
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new text begin (3) organize events and programming, including but not limited to one-on-one mentoring,
to familiarize enrolled students with law school and legal careers; and
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new text begin (4) provide the program's students free test preparation materials, academic support, and
registration for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) examination.
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new text begin (c) The Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers may use grant money under paragraph
(a) for costs related to:
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new text begin (1) student scholarships;
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new text begin (2) academic events and programming, including food and transportation costs for
students;
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new text begin (3) LSAT preparation materials, courses, and registrations; and
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new text begin (4) hiring staff for the program.
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new text begin (d) By January 30, 2026, and again by January 30, 2027, the Minnesota Association of
Black Lawyers must submit a report to the commissioner of employment and economic
development and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over workforce development and policy. The report must include an accurate
and detailed account of the program, the program's outcomes, and the program's revenues
and expenses, including the use of all state money appropriated in paragraph (a).
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