HF 993

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 02/11/2021 02:39pm

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; providing funding and related policy changes for the
Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the
University of Minnesota, and the Mayo Clinic; creating and modifying certain
student aid programs; creating a direct admissions pilot program; requiring reports;
appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 136A.121,
subdivisions 6, 9; 136A.125, subdivisions 2, 4; 136A.126, subdivisions 1, 4;
136A.1275; 136A.246, subdivisions 4, 5; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapters 135A; 136A.

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

ARTICLE 1

APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
The figures "2022" and "2023" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, or June 30, 2023, respectively.
"The first year" is fiscal year 2022. "The second year" is fiscal year 2023. "The biennium"
is fiscal years 2022 and 2023.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2022 new text end		new text begin 2023 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin MINNESOTA OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 287,957,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 287,147,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin State Grants new text end

new text begin 210,587,000 new text end

new text begin 210,587,000 new text end

new text begin If the appropriation in this subdivision for
either year is insufficient, the appropriation
for the other year is available for it.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Child Care Grants new text end

new text begin 6,694,000 new text end

new text begin 6,694,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin State Work-Study new text end

new text begin 14,502,000 new text end

new text begin 14,502,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Interstate Tuition Reciprocity new text end

new text begin 8,500,000 new text end

new text begin 8,500,000 new text end

new text begin If the appropriation in this subdivision for
either year is insufficient, the appropriation
for the other year is available to meet
reciprocity contract obligations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Safety Officer's Survivors new text end

new text begin 100,000 new text end

new text begin 100,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is to provide educational
benefits under Minnesota Statutes, section
299A.45, to eligible dependent children and
to the spouses of public safety officers killed
in the line of duty.
new text end

new text begin If the appropriation in this subdivision for
either year is insufficient, the appropriation
for the other year is available for it.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin American Indian Scholarships new text end

new text begin 3,500,000 new text end

new text begin 3,500,000 new text end

new text begin The commissioner must contract with or
employ at least one person with demonstrated
competence in American Indian culture and
residing in or near the city of Bemidji to assist
students with the scholarships under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.126, and
with other information about financial aid for
which the students may be eligible. Bemidji
State University must provide office space at
no cost to the Office of Higher Education for
purposes of administering the American Indian
scholarship program under Minnesota Statutes,
section 136A.126. This appropriation includes
funding to administer the American Indian
scholarship program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Tribal College Grants new text end

new text begin 150,000 new text end

new text begin 150,000 new text end

new text begin For tribal college assistance grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1796.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Intervention for College Attendance Program Grants new text end

new text begin 1,500,000 new text end

new text begin 1,500,000 new text end

new text begin For the intervention for college attendance
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
136A.861.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner may use no more than three
percent of this appropriation to administer the
intervention for college attendance program
grants.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Student-Parent Information new text end

new text begin 122,000 new text end

new text begin 122,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end new text begin Get Ready! new text end

new text begin 180,000 new text end

new text begin 180,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end new text begin Minnesota Education Equity Partnership new text end

new text begin 45,000 new text end

new text begin 45,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end new text begin Midwest Higher Education Compact new text end

new text begin 115,000 new text end

new text begin 115,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end new text begin United Family Medicine Residency Program new text end

new text begin 501,000 new text end

new text begin 501,000 new text end

new text begin For a grant to United Family Medicine
residency program. This appropriation shall
be used to support up to 21 resident physicians
each year in family practice at United Family
Medicine residency programs and shall
prepare doctors to practice family care
medicine in underserved rural and urban areas
of the state. It is intended that this program
will improve health care in underserved
communities, provide affordable access to
appropriate medical care, and manage the
treatment of patients in a cost-effective
manner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end new text begin MnLINK Gateway and Minitex new text end

new text begin 5,905,000 new text end

new text begin 5,905,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end new text begin Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System new text end

new text begin 1,782,000 new text end

new text begin 1,782,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end new text begin Hennepin Healthcare new text end

new text begin 645,000 new text end

new text begin 645,000 new text end

new text begin For transfer to Hennepin Healthcare for
graduate family medical education programs
at Hennepin Healthcare.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end new text begin College Possible new text end

new text begin 500,000 new text end

new text begin 500,000 new text end

new text begin (a) This appropriation is for immediate transfer
to College Possible to support programs of
college admission and college graduation for
low-income students through an intensive
curriculum of coaching and support at both
the high school and postsecondary level.
new text end

new text begin (b) This appropriation must, to the extent
possible, be proportionately allocated between
students from greater Minnesota and students
in the seven-county metropolitan area.
new text end

new text begin (c) This appropriation must be used by College
Possible only for programs supporting students
who are residents of Minnesota and attending
colleges or universities within Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (d) By February 1 of each year, College
Possible must report to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative
committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over higher education and E-12 education on
activities funded by this appropriation. The
report must include, but is not limited to,
information about the expansion of College
Possible in Minnesota, the number of College
Possible coaches hired, the expansion within
existing partner high schools, the expansion
of high school partnerships, the number of
high school and college students served, the
total hours of community service by high
school and college students, and a list of
communities and organizations benefiting
from student service hours.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 19. new text end new text begin Summer Academic Enrichment Program new text end

new text begin 750,000 new text end

new text begin 750,000 new text end

new text begin For summer academic enrichment grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.091.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner may use no more than three
percent of this appropriation to administer the
grant program under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 20. new text end new text begin Dual Training Competency Grants; Office of Higher Education new text end

new text begin 2,000,000 new text end

new text begin 2,000,000 new text end

new text begin For transfer to the Dual Training Competency
Grants account in the special revenue fund
under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.246,
subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 21. new text end new text begin Campus Sexual Assault Reporting new text end

new text begin 25,000 new text end

new text begin 25,000 new text end

new text begin For the sexual assault reporting required under
Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.15.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 22. new text end new text begin Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator new text end

new text begin 150,000 new text end

new text begin 150,000 new text end

new text begin For the Office of Higher Education to staff a
campus sexual violence prevention and
response coordinator to serve as a statewide
resource providing professional development
and guidance on best practices for
postsecondary institutions. $50,000 each year
is for administrative funding to conduct
trainings and provide materials to
postsecondary institutions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 23. new text end new text begin Emergency Assistance for Postsecondary Students new text end

new text begin 825,000 new text end

new text begin 825,000 new text end

new text begin (a) This appropriation is for the Office of
Higher Education to allocate grant funds on a
matching basis to eligible institutions as
defined under Minnesota Statutes, section
136A.103, located in Minnesota with a
demonstrable homeless student population.
new text end

new text begin (b) This appropriation shall be used to meet
immediate student needs that could result in
a student not completing the term or their
program including, but not limited to,
emergency housing, food, and transportation.
Institutions shall minimize any negative
impact on student financial aid resulting from
the receipt of emergency funds.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall determine the
application process and the grant amounts.
The Office of Higher Education shall partner
with interested postsecondary institutions,
other state agencies, and student groups to
establish the programs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 24. new text end new text begin Grants to Teacher Candidates new text end

new text begin 3,950,000 new text end

new text begin 3,950,000 new text end

new text begin For grants to teacher candidates under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1275.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner may use no more than three
percent of the appropriation for administration
of the program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 25. new text end new text begin Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

new text begin For transfer to the teacher shortage loan
forgiveness repayment account in the special
revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 136A.1791, subdivision 8.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner may use no more than three
percent of the amount transferred under this
subdivision to administer the program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 26. new text end new text begin Agricultural Educators Loan Forgiveness new text end

new text begin 50,000 new text end

new text begin 50,000 new text end

new text begin For transfer to the agricultural education loan
forgiveness account in the special revenue
fund under Minnesota Statutes, section
136A.1794, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 27. new text end new text begin Aviation Degree Loan Forgiveness Program new text end

new text begin 25,000 new text end

new text begin 25,000 new text end

new text begin For transfer to the aviation degree loan
forgiveness program account in the special
revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 136A.1789, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 28. new text end new text begin Grants for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

new text begin For grants for students with intellectual and
developmental disabilities under Minnesota
Statutes, section 136A.1215.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 29. new text end new text begin Loan Repayment Assistance Program new text end

new text begin 25,000 new text end

new text begin 25,000 new text end

new text begin For a grant to the Loan Repayment Assistance
Program of Minnesota to provide education
debt relief to attorneys with full-time
employment providing legal advice or
representation to low-income clients or support
services for this work.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 30. new text end new text begin Student Loan Debt Counseling new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

new text begin For student loan debt counseling under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1788.
new text end

new text begin The Office of Higher Education may use no
more than three percent of the appropriation
to administer the student loan debt counseling
program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 31. new text end new text begin Concurrent Enrollment Grants new text end

new text begin 340,000 new text end

new text begin 340,000 new text end

new text begin For concurrent enrollment grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.102.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 32. new text end new text begin Grants to Support Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder new text end

new text begin 1,000,000 new text end

new text begin 1,000,000 new text end

new text begin For grants for supporting individuals with
autism spectrum disorder under Minnesota
Statutes, section 135A.105.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 33. new text end new text begin Workforce Stabilization Grants new text end

new text begin 17,500,000 new text end

new text begin 17,500,000 new text end

new text begin For workforce stabilization grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1231.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 34. new text end new text begin Direct Admissions new text end

new text begin 925,000 new text end

new text begin 75,000 new text end

new text begin For the direct admissions pilot program in
article 2, section 13.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 35. new text end new text begin Agency Administration new text end

new text begin 4,464,000 new text end

new text begin 4,504,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 36. new text end new text begin Balances Forward new text end

new text begin A balance in the first year under this section
does not cancel, but is available for the second
year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 37. new text end new text begin Transfers new text end

new text begin The commissioner of the Office of Higher
Education may transfer unencumbered
balances from the appropriations in this
section to the state grant appropriation, the
interstate tuition reciprocity appropriation, the
child care grant appropriation, the Indian
scholarship appropriation, the state work-study
appropriation, the get ready appropriation, the
intervention for college attendance
appropriation, the student-parent information
appropriation, the summer academic
enrichment program appropriation, the
workforce stabilization grant appropriation,
and the public safety officers' survivors
appropriation. Transfers from the child care
or state work-study appropriations may only
be made to the extent there is a projected
surplus in the appropriation. A transfer may
be made only with prior written notice to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the
senate and house of representatives
committees with jurisdiction over higher
education finance.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 784,114,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 804,454,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Central Office and Shared Services Unit new text end

new text begin 33,074,000 new text end

new text begin 33,074,000 new text end

new text begin For the Office of the Chancellor and the
Shared Services Division.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Operations and Maintenance new text end

new text begin 746,925,000 new text end

new text begin 767,265,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 and
$3,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 are to provide
supplemental aid for operations and
maintenance to the president of each two-year
institution in the system with at least one
campus that is not located in a metropolitan
county, as defined in Minnesota Statutes,
section 473.121, subdivision 4. The board
shall transfer $100,000 for each campus not
located in a metropolitan county in each year
to the president of each institution that
includes such a campus, provided that no
institution may receive more than $300,000
in total supplemental aid each year.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Board of Trustees is requested to help
Minnesota close the attainment gap by funding
activities which improve retention and
completion for students of color.
new text end

new text begin (c) $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 and
$4,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 are for
workforce development scholarships under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136F.38.
new text end

new text begin (d) $300,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $300,000
in fiscal year 2023 are for transfer to the Cook
County Higher Education Board to provide
educational programming, workforce
development, and academic support services
to remote regions in northeastern Minnesota.
The Cook County Higher Education Board
shall continue to provide information to the
Board of Trustees on the number of students
served, credit hours delivered, and services
provided to students.
new text end

new text begin (e) This appropriation includes $40,000 in
fiscal year 2022 and $40,000 in fiscal year
2023 to implement the sexual assault policies
required under Minnesota Statutes, section
135A.15.
new text end

new text begin (f) This appropriation includes $8,000,000 in
fiscal year 2022 and $8,000,000 in fiscal year
2023 for upgrading the Integrated Statewide
Record System.
new text end

new text begin (g) This appropriation includes $1,250,000 in
fiscal year 2022 and $1,250,000 in fiscal year
2023 to support students in meeting critical
needs, including providing online mental
health resources and an online information
hub to connect students with state and local
resources that address basic needs, including
housing and food insecurity.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Learning Network of Minnesota new text end

new text begin 4,115,000 new text end

new text begin 4,115,000 new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 689,063,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 704,563,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2022 new text end	new text begin 2023 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 686,906,000 new text end	new text begin 702,406,000 new text end
new text begin Health Care Access new text end	new text begin 2,157,000 new text end	new text begin 2,157,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Operations and Maintenance new text end

new text begin 618,468,000 new text end

new text begin 633,968,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 and
$15,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 are to: (1)
increase the medical school's research
capacity; (2) improve the medical school's
ranking in National Institutes of Health
funding; (3) ensure the medical school's
national prominence by attracting and
retaining world-class faculty, staff, and
students; (4) invest in physician training
programs in rural and underserved
communities; and (5) translate the medical
school's research discoveries into new
treatments and cures to improve the health of
Minnesotans.
new text end

new text begin (b) $7,800,000 in fiscal year 2022 and
$7,800,000 in fiscal year 2023 are for health
training restoration. This appropriation must
be used to support all of the following: (1)
faculty physicians who teach at eight residency
program sites, including medical resident and
student training programs in the Department
of Family Medicine; (2) the Mobile Dental
Clinic; and (3) expansion of geriatric
education and family programs.
new text end

new text begin (c) $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 and
$4,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 are for the
Minnesota Discovery, Research, and
InnoVation Economy funding program for
cancer care research.
new text end

new text begin (d) $500,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $500,000
in fiscal year 2023 are for the University of
Minnesota, Morris branch, to cover the costs
of tuition waivers under Minnesota Statutes,
section 137.16.
new text end

new text begin (e) $150,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $150,000
in fiscal year 2023 are for the advisory council
on rare diseases under Minnesota Statutes,
section 137.68. The base for this appropriation
is $0 in fiscal year 2024 and later.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Primary Care Education Initiatives new text end

new text begin 2,157,000 new text end

new text begin 2,157,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the health care
access fund.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Special Appropriations new text end

new text begin (a) Agriculture and Extension Service new text end

new text begin 42,922,000 new text end

new text begin 42,922,000 new text end

new text begin For the Agricultural Experiment Station and
the Minnesota Extension Service:
new text end

new text begin (1) the agricultural experiment stations and
Minnesota Extension Service must convene
agricultural advisory groups to focus research,
education, and extension activities on producer
needs and implement an outreach strategy that
more effectively and rapidly transfers research
results and best practices to producers
throughout the state;
new text end

new text begin (2) this appropriation includes funding for
research and outreach on the production of
renewable energy from Minnesota biomass
resources, including agronomic crops, plant
and animal wastes, and native plants or trees.
The following areas should be prioritized and
carried out in consultation with Minnesota
producers, renewable energy, and bioenergy
organizations:
new text end

new text begin (i) biofuel and other energy production from
perennial crops, small grains, row crops, and
forestry products in conjunction with the
Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI);
new text end

new text begin (ii) alternative bioenergy crops and cropping
systems; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) biofuel coproducts used for livestock feed;
new text end

new text begin (3) this appropriation includes funding for the
College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural
Resources Sciences to establish and provide
leadership for organic agronomic,
horticultural, livestock, and food systems
research, education, and outreach and for the
purchase of state-of-the-art laboratory,
planting, tilling, harvesting, and processing
equipment necessary for this project;
new text end

new text begin (4) this appropriation includes funding for
research efforts that demonstrate a renewed
emphasis on the needs of the state's agriculture
community. The following areas should be
prioritized and carried out in consultation with
Minnesota farm organizations:
new text end

new text begin (i) vegetable crop research with priority for
extending the Minnesota vegetable growing
season;
new text end

new text begin (ii) fertilizer and soil fertility research and
development;
new text end

new text begin (iii) soil, groundwater, and surface water
conservation practices and contaminant
reduction research;
new text end

new text begin (iv) discovering and developing plant varieties
that use nutrients more efficiently;
new text end

new text begin (v) breeding and development of turf seed and
other biomass resources in all three Minnesota
biomes;
new text end

new text begin (vi) development of new disease-resistant and
pest-resistant varieties of turf and agronomic
crops;
new text end

new text begin (vii) utilizing plant and livestock cells to treat
and cure human diseases;
new text end

new text begin (viii) the development of dairy coproducts;
new text end

new text begin (ix) a rapid agricultural response fund for
current or emerging animal, plant, and insect
problems affecting production or food safety;
new text end

new text begin (x) crop pest and animal disease research;
new text end

new text begin (xi) developing animal agriculture that is
capable of sustainably feeding the world;
new text end

new text begin (xii) consumer food safety education and
outreach;
new text end

new text begin (xiii) programs to meet the research and
outreach needs of organic livestock and crop
farmers; and
new text end

new text begin (xiv) alternative bioenergy crops and cropping
systems; and growing, harvesting, and
transporting biomass plant material; and
new text end

new text begin (5) by February 1, 2023, the Board of Regents
must submit a report to the legislative
committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over agriculture and higher education finance
on the status and outcomes of research and
initiatives funded in this paragraph.
new text end

new text begin (b) Health Sciences new text end

new text begin 9,204,000 new text end

new text begin 9,204,000 new text end

new text begin $346,000 each year is to support up to 12
resident physicians in the St. Cloud Hospital
family practice residency program. The
program must prepare doctors to practice
primary care medicine in rural areas of the
state. The legislature intends this program to
improve health care in rural communities,
provide affordable access to appropriate
medical care, and manage the treatment of
patients in a more cost-effective manner. The
remainder of this appropriation is for the rural
physicians associates program; the Veterinary
Diagnostic Laboratory; health sciences
research; dental care; the Biomedical
Engineering Center; and the collaborative
partnership between the University of
Minnesota and Mayo Clinic for regenerative
medicine, research, clinical translation, and
commercialization.
new text end

new text begin (c) new text begin College of Science and Engineering new text end new text end

new text begin 1,140,000 new text end

new text begin 1,140,000 new text end

new text begin For the geological survey and the talented
youth mathematics program.
new text end

new text begin (d) System Special new text end

new text begin 7,181,000 new text end

new text begin 7,181,000 new text end

new text begin For general research, the Labor Education
Service, Natural Resources Research Institute,
Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, Bell
Museum of Natural History, and the
Humphrey exhibit.
new text end

new text begin $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $2,000,000
in fiscal year 2023 are for the Natural
Resources Research Institute to invest in
applied research for economic development.
new text end

new text begin (e) University of Minnesota and Mayo Foundation Partnership new text end

new text begin 7,991,000 new text end

new text begin 7,991,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is for the following
activities:
new text end

new text begin (1) $7,491,000 in fiscal year 2022 and
$7,491,000 in fiscal year 2023 are for the
direct and indirect expenses of the
collaborative research partnership between the
University of Minnesota and the Mayo
Foundation for research in biotechnology and
medical genomics. An annual report on the
expenditure of these funds must be submitted
to the governor and the chairs of the legislative
committees responsible for higher education
finance by June 30 of each fiscal year.
new text end

new text begin (2) $500,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $500,000
in fiscal year 2023 are to award competitive
grants to conduct research into the prevention,
treatment, causes, and cures of Alzheimer's
disease and other dementias.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Academic Health Center new text end

new text begin The appropriation for Academic Health Center
funding under Minnesota Statutes, section
297F.10, is estimated to be $22,250,000 each
year.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin MAYO CLINIC new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,351,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,351,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent are specified
in the following subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Medical School new text end

new text begin 665,000 new text end

new text begin 665,000 new text end

new text begin The state must pay a capitation each year for
each student who is a resident of Minnesota.
The appropriation may be transferred between
each year of the biennium to accommodate
enrollment fluctuations. It is intended that
during the biennium the Mayo Clinic use the
capitation money to increase the number of
doctors practicing in rural areas in need of
doctors.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Family Practice and Graduate Residency Program new text end

new text begin 686,000 new text end

new text begin 686,000 new text end

new text begin The state must pay stipend support for up to
27 residents each year.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin CANCELLATIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The day following final enactment, $340,000 of the fiscal year 2021 appropriation
to the Office of Higher Education in Laws 2019, chapter 64, article 1, section 2, is canceled
to the general fund. The appropriation canceled must come from the provisions in Laws
2019, chapter 64, article 1, section 2, subdivisions 11, 25, and 26.
new text end

new text begin (b) The day following final enactment, $5,000,000 of the fiscal year 2021 appropriation
to the Office of Higher Education for state grants in Laws 2019, chapter 64, article 1, section
2, subdivision 2, is canceled to the general fund.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

HIGHER EDUCATION PROVISIONS

Section 1.

new text begin [135A.102] CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin (a) The Office of Higher Education must establish a competitive
grant program for postsecondary institutions to expand concurrent enrollment opportunities.
To the extent that there are qualified applicants, the commissioner of the Office of Higher
Education shall distribute grant funds to ensure:
new text end

new text begin (1) eligible students throughout the state have access to concurrent enrollment programs;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) preference for grants that expand programs is given to programs already at capacity.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may award grants under this section to postsecondary institutions
for any of the following purposes:
new text end

new text begin (1) to develop new concurrent enrollment courses under section 124D.09, subdivision
10, that satisfy the elective standard for career and technical education;
new text end

new text begin (2) to expand the existing concurrent enrollment programs already offered by the
postsecondary institution by:
new text end

new text begin (i) creating new sections within the same high school;
new text end

new text begin (ii) offering the existing course in new high schools; or
new text end

new text begin (iii) supporting the preparation, recruitment, and success of students who are
underrepresented in concurrent enrollment classrooms;
new text end

new text begin (3) to create online graduate tracks specifically for high school teachers to receive the
necessary credentials to teach concurrent enrollment courses in various content areas, as
dictated by the Higher Learning Commission; or
new text end

new text begin (4) to supplement high school teacher tuition support for graduate courses not eligible
for funding under the concurrent enrollment training program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall develop a grant application process.
A grant applicant must:
new text end

new text begin (1) specify the purpose under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), for which the institution is
applying;
new text end

new text begin (2) specify new text end new text begin both program and student outcome goals;
new text end

new text begin (3) include student feedback in the development of new programs or the expansion of
existing programs; and
new text end

new text begin (4) demonstrate a commitment to equitable access to concurrent enrollment coursework
for all eligible high school students.
new text end

new text begin (b) A postsecondary institution applying for a grant under subdivision 1, paragraph (b),
clause (3), must provide a 50 percent match for the grant funds.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin By December 1 of each year, the office shall submit a report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
higher education regarding:
new text end

new text begin (1) the amount of funds granted under each clause of subdivision 1, paragraph (b);
new text end

new text begin (2) the courses developed by grant recipients and the number of students who enrolled
in the courses under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (1);
new text end

new text begin (3) the programs expanded and the number of students who enrolled in programs under
subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (2);
new text end

new text begin (4) the graduate programs developed by postsecondary institutions and the number of
high school teachers enrolled in these graduate courses under subdivision 1, paragraph (b),
clause (3); and
new text end

new text begin (5) the number of teachers provided tuition support under subdivision 1, paragraph (b),
clause (4).
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [135A.105] SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM
DISORDER.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education shall
award grants, on a competitive basis, for the purpose of fostering the success of students
who (1) are on the autism spectrum and (2) either (i) are enrolled or soon to be enrolled in
a postsecondary program that leads to a college credential or (ii) are pursuing training to
enter successfully into the workforce. Grants will provide funding to nonprofit organizations,
school districts, advocacy organizations, or postsecondary programs that specialize in
preparing and supporting students on the autism spectrum for life after high school.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grants must be awarded to programs that provide eligible students under subdivision
2 with academic, transitional, and social-emotional support services, including but not
limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) academic counseling;
new text end

new text begin (2) peer mentoring;
new text end

new text begin (3) life skills counseling;
new text end

new text begin (4) soft-skills and social awareness education;
new text end

new text begin (5) behavioral and mental health services;
new text end

new text begin (6) college and career navigation;
new text end

new text begin (7) transitional service, including rediagnosis and access to campus disability services;
and
new text end

new text begin (8) orientation to college life.
new text end

new text begin (c) Grantees shall provide the office a strategic plan for communication and outreach to
diverse communities and those in which youth are traditionally less likely to be diagnosed
with autism.
new text end

new text begin (d) Grants shall be awarded for one year and may be renewed for a second year with
documentation to the office of successful program outcomes.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Eligible students. new text end

new text begin (a) Eligible students include students in grades 10 through
college completion, and those who are returning to college as adults, who:
new text end

new text begin (1) are residents of Minnesota; and
new text end

new text begin (2) are members of one of these groups:
new text end

new text begin (i) individuals having a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder through a
standardized diagnostic instrument;
new text end

new text begin (ii) individuals having an individualized education plan or access to campus disability
services for a reason other than a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder who would
benefit from access to the program; or
new text end

new text begin (iii) groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education, including indigenous
students, students of color, English language learners, and students from low-income families
who may not have a formal autism spectrum diagnosis but would benefit from access to the
program.
new text end

new text begin (b) For a grantee to provide services to students eligible under paragraph (a), clause (2),
item (ii) or (iii), the grantee must (1) identify what services will be provided to those students
and (2) provide an estimate on the percent of the grant funding that will be spent on students
under paragraph (a), clause (2), item (ii) or (iii).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Application process. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall develop a grant application
process. The commissioner shall attempt to support projects in a manner that ensures that
eligible students throughout the state have access to program services.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Review committee. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must establish and convene a grant
selection committee to review applications and award grants. The members of the committee
must include representatives of the autism spectrum community, including family members
of those with autism. In addition, the selection committee may consist of representatives
from postsecondary institutions, school districts, organizations providing disability services,
and others deemed appropriate by the commissioner.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 136A.121, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Cost of attendance.

(a) The recognized cost of attendance consists of: (1) an
allowance specified in law for living and miscellaneous expenses, and (2) an allowance for
tuition and fees equal to the lesser of the average tuition and fees charged by the institution,
or a tuition and fee maximum if one is established in law. If no living and miscellaneous
expense allowance is established in law, the allowance is equal to deleted text begin 106 deleted text end new text begin 110 new text end percent of the
federal poverty guidelines for a one person household in Minnesota for nine months. If no
tuition and fee maximum is established in law, the allowance for tuition and fees is equal
to the lesser of: (1) the average tuition and fees charged by the institution, and (2) for
two-year programs, an amount equal to the highest tuition and fees charged at a public
two-year institution, or for four-year programs, an amount equal to the highest tuition and
fees charged at a public university.

(b) For a student registering for less than full time, the office shall prorate the cost of
attendance to the actual number of credits for which the student is enrolled.

(c) The recognized cost of attendance for a student who is confined to a Minnesota
correctional institution shall consist of the tuition and fee component in paragraph (a), with
no allowance for living and miscellaneous expenses.

(d) For the purpose of this subdivision, "fees" include only those fees that are mandatory
and charged to full-time resident students attending the institution. Fees do not include
charges for tools, equipment, computers, or other similar materials where the student retains
ownership. Fees include charges for these materials if the institution retains ownership. Fees
do not include optional or punitive fees.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 136A.121, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Awards.

An undergraduate student who meets the office's requirements is
eligible to apply for and receive a grant in any year of undergraduate study unless the student
has obtained a baccalaureate degree or previously has been enrolled full time or the equivalent
for eight semesters or the equivalent, excluding new text begin (1) new text end courses taken from a Minnesota school
or postsecondary institution which is not participating in the state grant program and from
which a student transferred no credit new text begin , and (2) courses taken that qualify as developmental
education or below college-level new text end . A student enrolled in a two-year program at a four-year
institution is only eligible for the tuition and fee maximums established by law for two-year
institutions.

Sec. 5.

new text begin [136A.1231] WORKFORCE STABILIZATION GRANT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Administration. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must administer a grant program for
students in response to the economic disruption caused by COVID-19 within the limits of
appropriations for the program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this
subdivision have the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Eligible student" means an individual who meets the requirements in subdivision
3.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Eligible program" means a program offered by a participating institution that meets
the requirements in subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Grant" means funds awarded under this section.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Participating institution" means an institution operated by this state or the Board of
Regents of the University of Minnesota or a tribally controlled college.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Tuition and fees" means the actual tuition and fees charged by the participating
institution to the student.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Tribally controlled college" means an accredited institution of higher education
located in this state that is formally controlled by or has been formally sanctioned or chartered
by the governing body of a federally recognized Indian tribe, or a combination of federally
recognized Indian tribes. Tribally controlled college does not include any institution or
campus subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities or the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Eligible students. new text end

new text begin A person is eligible to receive a grant if the person:
new text end

new text begin (1) meets the eligibility requirements in section 136A.121, subdivision 2, paragraph (a),
clauses (1), (4), and (5);
new text end

new text begin (2) is a graduate of a secondary school or its equivalent;
new text end

new text begin (3) has not yet earned a baccalaureate degree;
new text end

new text begin (4) has applied for the grant on the form required by the commissioner;
new text end

new text begin (5) is enrolled for at least one credit in an eligible program at a participating institution;
new text end

new text begin (6) is meeting satisfactory academic progress as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision
10; and
new text end

new text begin (7) meets one of the following:
new text end

new text begin (i) has a family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less and worked in a critical industry
listed in Executive Order 20-74 at least part-time between March 1, 2020, and December
31, 2021;
new text end

new text begin (ii) has a family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less and received unemployment
benefits between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021;
new text end

new text begin (iii) has a family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less and was employed in an at-risk
occupation after March 1, 2020, as identified by the commissioner; or
new text end

new text begin (iv) has a family adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Eligible programs. new text end

new text begin (a) Grants may be awarded to eligible students enrolled in
certificate, diploma, or degree programs offered by participating institutions identified as
high need by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner, in coordination with participating institutions, the Department
of Labor and Industry, and the Department of Employment and Economic Development,
shall, at least annually, identify high-need eligible programs.
new text end

new text begin (c) High-need eligible programs include but are not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) programs leading to high-demand occupations;
new text end

new text begin (2) programs leading to occupations with a high vacancy rate; and
new text end

new text begin (3) programs that support the state's economic vitality.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Student application. new text end

new text begin To receive a grant under this section, a student must apply
in the form and manner specified by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Student grants. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must, to the extent funds are available,
make grants to eligible students to attend eligible programs at participating institutions.
new text end

new text begin (b) The amount of the grant must not exceed tuition and fees after deducting all other
grant and scholarship aid received by the eligible student.
new text end

new text begin (c) The amount of the grant is limited as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) the maximum grant for eligible students enrolled in four-year programs is $14,000;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) the maximum grant for eligible students enrolled in less than four-year programs is
$7,500. Individuals meeting the grant eligibility requirements will receive a grant of $100
or more, depending on funds available.
new text end

new text begin (d) To the extent funds are available, eligible students may receive grants for four quarters
or three semesters during the course of a single fiscal year. In calculating a grant amount
for the fourth quarter or third semester, the office must use the same calculation as it would
for any other term.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 136A.125, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Eligible students.

(a) An applicant is eligible for a child care grant if the
applicant:

(1) is a resident of the state of Minnesota or the applicant's spouse is a resident of the
state of Minnesota;

(2) has a child 12 years of age or younger, or 14 years of age or younger who is disabled
as defined in section 125A.02, and who is receiving or will receive care on a regular basis
from a licensed or legal, nonlicensed caregiver;

(3) is income eligible as determined by the office's policies and rules, but is not a recipient
of assistance from the Minnesota family investment program;

(4) deleted text begin either deleted text end has not deleted text begin earned a baccalaureate degree and has been enrolled full time less than deleted text end new text begin
received child care grant funds for a period of new text end ten semesters or the equivalent deleted text begin , or has earned
a baccalaureate degree and has been enrolled full time less than ten semesters or the
equivalent in a graduate or professional degree program deleted text end ;

(5) is pursuing a nonsectarian program or course of study that applies to an undergraduate,
graduate, or professional degree, diploma, or certificate;

(6) is enrolled in at least deleted text begin six credits deleted text end new text begin one credit new text end in an undergraduate program or one credit
in a graduate or professional program in an eligible institution; and

(7) is in good academic standing and making satisfactory academic progress.

(b) A student who withdraws from enrollment for active military service after December
31, 2002, because the student was ordered to active military service as defined in section
190.05, subdivision 5b or 5c, or for a major illness, while under the care of a medical
professional, that substantially limits the student's ability to complete the term is entitled to
an additional semester or the equivalent of grant eligibility and will be considered to be in
continuing enrollment status upon return.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 136A.125, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Amount and length of grants.

deleted text begin (a) The amount of a child care grant must be
based on:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) the income of the applicant and the applicant's spouse;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) the number in the applicant's family, as defined by the office; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) the number of eligible children in the applicant's family.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (a) new text end The maximum award to the applicant deleted text begin shall be $3,000 deleted text end new text begin equals the maximum federal
Pell Grant new text end for each eligible child per academic year, except that the campus financial aid
officer may apply to the office for approval to increase grants by up to ten percent to
compensate for higher market charges for infant care in a community. deleted text begin The office shall
develop policies to determine community market costs and review institutional requests for
compensatory grant increases to ensure need and equal treatment. The office shall prepare
a chart to show the amount of a grant that will be awarded per child based on the factors in
this subdivision. The chart shall include a range of income and family size.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end Applicants with deleted text begin family incomes deleted text end new text begin expected family contributions new text end at or below deleted text begin a
percentage of the federal poverty level deleted text end new text begin the qualifying expected family contribution for the
federal Pell Grant new text end , as determined by the commissioner, deleted text begin will deleted text end qualify for the maximum award.
deleted text begin The commissioner shall attempt to set the percentage at a level estimated to fully expend
the available appropriation for child care grants. deleted text end Applicants with deleted text begin family incomes deleted text end new text begin expected
family contributions new text end exceeding that threshold deleted text begin will deleted text end new text begin but less than 200 percent of the qualifying
expected family contribution new text end receive deleted text begin the maximum award minus ten percent of their income
exceeding that threshold deleted text end new text begin an amount proportional to their expected family contribution as
determined by the commissioner new text end . deleted text begin If the result is less than zero, the grant is zero.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The academic year award amount must be disbursed by academic term using the
following formula:

(1) the academic year amount described in paragraph deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (a) new text end ;

(2) divided by the number of terms in the academic year; new text begin and
new text end

deleted text begin (3) divided by 15 for undergraduate students and six for graduate and professional
students; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end multiplied by the deleted text begin number of credits for which the student is enrolled that academic
term, up to 15 credits for undergraduate students and six for graduate and professional
students. deleted text end new text begin applicable enrollment factor:
new text end

new text begin (i) 1.00 for undergraduate students enrolled in 12 or more semester credits or the
equivalent;
new text end

new text begin (ii) 0.75 for undergraduate students enrolled in nine, ten, or 11 semester credits or the
equivalent;
new text end

new text begin (iii) 0.50 for undergraduate students enrolled in six, seven, or eight semester credits or
the equivalent; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) 0.25 for undergraduate students enrolled in at least one but less than six semester
credits or the equivalent.
new text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Payments shall be made each academic term to the student or to the child care
provider, as determined by the institution. Institutions may make payments more than once
within the academic term.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 136A.126, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Student eligibility.

The commissioner shall establish procedures for the
distribution of scholarships to a Minnesota resident student as defined under section
136A.101, subdivision 8, who:

(1) is of one-fourth or more Indian ancestry new text begin or is an enrolled member or citizen of a
federally recognized American Indian or Canadian First Nations tribe new text end ;

(2) has applied for other existing state and federal scholarship and grant programs;

(3) is meeting satisfactory academic progress as defined under section 136A.101,
subdivision 10;

(4) is not in default, as defined by the office, of a federal or state student educational
loan;

(5) if enrolled in an undergraduate program, is eligible or would be eligible to receive
a federal Pell Grant or a state grant based on the federal needs analysis and is enrolled for
nine semester credits per term or more, or the equivalent; and

(6) if enrolled in a graduate program, demonstrates a remaining financial need in the
award amount calculation and is enrolled, per term, on a half-time basis or more as defined
by the postsecondary institution.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 136A.126, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Award amount.

(a) Each student shall be awarded a scholarship based on the
federal need analysis. Applicants are encouraged to apply for all other sources of financial
aid. The amount of the award must not exceed the applicant's cost of attendance, as defined
in subdivision 3, after deducting:

(1) the expected family contribution as calculated by the federal need analysis;

(2) the amount of a federal Pell Grant award for which the applicant is eligible;

(3) the amount of the state grant;

(4) the federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant;

(5) the sum of all institutional grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, and tuition remission
amounts;

(6) the sum of all tribal scholarships;

(7) the amount of any other state and federal gift aid; and

(8) the amount of any private grants or scholarships.

(b) The award shall be paid directly to the postsecondary institution where the student
receives federal financial aid.

(c) Awards are limited as follows:

(1) the maximum award for an undergraduate is $4,000 per deleted text begin award deleted text end new text begin academic new text end year;

(2) the maximum award for a graduate student is $6,000 per deleted text begin award deleted text end new text begin academic new text end year; and

(3) the minimum award for all students is $100 per deleted text begin award deleted text end new text begin academic new text end year.

(d) Scholarships may not be given to any Indian student for more than three years of
study for a two-year degree, certificate, or diploma program or five years of study for a
four-year degree program at the undergraduate level and for more than five years at the
graduate level. Students may acquire only one degree per level and one terminal graduate
degree. Scholarships may not be given to any student for more than ten years including five
years of undergraduate study and five years of graduate study.

new text begin (e) Scholarships may be given to an eligible student for four quarters, three semesters,
or the equivalent during the course of a single fiscal year. In calculating the award amount,
the office must use the same calculation it would for any other term.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 136A.1275, is amended to read:

136A.1275 new text begin STUDENT new text end TEACHER CANDIDATE GRANTS.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

(a) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education
must establish a grant program for student teaching stipends for low-income students deleted text begin enrolled
in a Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board-approved teacher preparation
program who intend to teach in a shortage area after graduating and receiving their teaching
license or belong to an underrepresented racial or ethnic group deleted text end .

(b) "Shortage area" means a license field or economic development region within
Minnesota defined as a shortage area by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards
Board in coordination with the commissioner using data collected for the teacher supply
and demand report under section 122A.091, subdivision 5.

new text begin (c) "Greater Minnesota" means communities located outside the metropolitan area, as
defined in section 473.121.
new text end

Subd. 2.

Eligibility.

To be eligible for a grant under this section, a teacher candidate
must:

(1) be enrolled in a Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board-approved
teacher preparation program that requires at least 12 weeks of student teaching in order to
be recommended for any Tier 3 teaching license;

(2) demonstrate financial need based on criteria established by the commissioner under
subdivision 3;

(3) be meeting satisfactory academic progress as defined under section 136A.101,
subdivision 10; and

(4) deleted text begin intend to teach deleted text end new text begin either (i) be enrolled in a teacher preparation program in greater
Minnesota and student teach new text end in a shortage area new text begin , new text end or new text begin (ii) new text end belong to a racial or ethnic group
underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce. deleted text begin Intent can be documented based on
the teacher license field the student is pursuing or a statement of intent to teach in an
economic development region defined as a shortage area in the year the student receives a
grant.
deleted text end

Subd. 3.

Administration; repayment.

(a) The commissioner must establish an
application process and other guidelines for implementing this program.

(b) The commissioner must determine each academic year the stipend amount up to
$7,500 based on the amount of available funding, the number of eligible applicants, and the
financial need of the applicants.

deleted text begin (c) The percentage of the total award funds available at the beginning of the fiscal year
reserved for teacher candidates who identify as belonging to a racial or ethnic group
underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce must be equal to or greater than the
total percentage of students of racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the Minnesota
teacher workforce as measured under section 120B.35, subdivision 3. If this percentage
cannot be met because of a lack of qualifying candidates, the remaining amount may be
awarded to teacher candidates who intend to teach in a shortage area.
deleted text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 136A.246, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Application.

Applications must be made to the commissioner on a form provided
by the commissioner. The commissioner must, to the extent possible, make the application
form as short and simple to complete as is reasonably possible. The commissioner shall
establish a schedule for applications and grants. The application must include, without
limitation:

(1) the projected number of employee trainees;

deleted text begin (2) the number of projected employee trainees who graduated from high school or passed
the commissioner of education-selected high school equivalency test in the current or
immediately preceding calendar year;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end the competency standard for which training will be provided;

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end the credential the employee will receive upon completion of training;

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end the name and address of the training institution or program and a signed statement
by the institution or program that it is able and agrees to provide the training;

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end the period of the training; and

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end the cost of the training charged by the training institution or program and certified
by the institution or program. The cost of training includes tuition, fees, and required books
and materials.

An application may be made for training of employees of multiple employers either by
the employers or by an organization on their behalf.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 136A.246, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Grant criteria.

deleted text begin (a) Except as provided in this subdivision, the commissioner
shall award grants to employers solely for training employees who graduated from high
school or passed commissioner of education-selected high school equivalency tests in the
current or immediately preceding calendar year.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) If there are not sufficient eligible applications satisfying paragraph (a), the
commissioner may award grants to applicants to train employees who do not meet the
requirements of paragraph (a).
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner shall deleted text begin , to the extent possible after complying with paragraph
(a), deleted text end make at least an approximately equal dollar amount of grants for training for employees
whose work site is projected to be outside the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121,
subdivision 2, as for employees whose work site is projected to be within the metropolitan
area.

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end In determining the award of grants, the commissioner must consider, among other
factors:

(1) the aggregate state and regional need for employees with the competency to be
trained;

(2) the competency standards developed by the commissioner of labor and industry as
part of the Minnesota PIPELINE Project;

(3) the per employee cost of training;

(4) the additional employment opportunities for employees because of the training;

(5) the on-the-job training the employee receives;

new text begin (6) the employer's demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and retain employees who are
recent high school graduates or who recently passed high school equivalency tests;
new text end

new text begin (7) the employer's demonstrated commitment to recruit, train, and retain employees of
color, American Indian employees, and employees with disabilities;
new text end

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (8) new text end projected increases in compensation for employees receiving the training; and

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end the amount of employer training cost match, if required, on both a per employee
and aggregate basis.

Sec. 13. new text begin DIRECT ADMISSIONS PILOT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authorization. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education
shall develop a pilot program in consultation with stakeholders including Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities, the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota
Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Minnesota School Board Association,
to automatically offer conditional admission to Minnesota public high school seniors based
on a student's high school grade point average, high school and college transcript information,
standardized tests, statewide assessments, and other measures as determined by stakeholders.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Pilot design and goals. new text end

new text begin The pilot program shall establish and, to the extent
feasible, implement a process for leveraging existing kindergarten through grade 12 and
higher education student information systems to automate the admissions process for students.
The pilot program will specifically evaluate the impact this process has on outcomes for
students with lower levels of college knowledge, low-income students, and students from
populations underserved in higher education. Initial pilot program participants must include
high schools with a significant number of students of color, low-income students, or both.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Evaluation and report. new text end

new text begin By February 1, 2022, the Office of Higher Education
shall report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over kindergarten through grade
12 education finance and policy and higher education on activities occurring under this
section. The report must include but is not limited to information about the pilot program
design, implementation challenges and recommendations, and the feasibility of scaling the
program to all public high schools.
new text end