HF 1597

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/14/2013 02:34pm

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; modifying standards for awarding academic credit
for certain military training or service programs; amending Minnesota Statutes
2012, section 197.775, subdivisions 1, 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 197.775, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this
section.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs.

(c) "State college or university" means a unit of the University of Minnesota or
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

new text begin (d) "Veteran" includes the definition provided in section 197.447, and also includes
any person serving in active service, as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 197.775, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Recognition of courses.

(a) Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
must recognize courses and award educational credits for courses that were part of a
veteran's military training or service if the courses meet the standards of the American
Council on Education or equivalent standards for awarding academic credits. new text begin In
recognizing courses and awarding educational credits, consideration must be given to
academic skills developed in all aspects of the training or service course curriculum, and
may not be limited solely to the physical fitness or activity components of the course.
new text end

(b) The University of Minnesota and private colleges and universities in Minnesota
are encouraged to recognize courses and award educational credits for courses that were
part of a veteran's military training or service if the courses meet the standards of the
American Council on Education or equivalent standards for awarding academic credits.
new text begin In recognizing courses and awarding educational credits, the University of Minnesota
and private colleges and universities in Minnesota are encouraged to consider academic
skills developed in all aspects of the training or service course curriculum, and not limit
consideration solely to the physical fitness or activity components of the course.
new text end