HF 243

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 01/27/2011 10:58am

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; requiring a vote to increase optional student fees;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 136F.06, subdivision 1; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 135A.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [135A.043] OPTIONAL STUDENT LIFE OR ACTIVITY FEES.
new text end

new text begin Beginning in the 2011-2012 academic year, an increase in optional student life,
student activity, or special activity fees at a public postsecondary institution or campus
over the amount of the fees charged to students at that institution or campus in the previous
academic year must be approved by a vote of the student body at that institution or campus.
The governing board of the public postsecondary institution must not approve any increase
in fees until approved by a majority of students voting in a campus election. This section
does not apply to fees paid by students if the fees are directly related to educational or
health services, or to a specific fee that an individual student may choose not to pay.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 136F.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General authority.

The board shall possess all powers necessary
to govern the state colleges and universities and all related property. Those powers shall
include, but are not limited to, those enumerated in this section. The board shall prescribe
conditions of admission, set tuition and fees, approve programs of study and requirements
for completion of programs, approve the awarding of appropriate certificates, diplomas,
and degrees, enter into contracts and other agreements, and adopt suitable policies for the
institutions it governs. To the extent practicable in protecting statewide interests, the
board shall provide autonomy to the campuses while holding them accountable for their
decisions. Sections 14.01 to 14.47 do not apply to policies and procedures of the board.
new text begin Section 135A.043 applies to fees approved by the board. new text end