SF 1975

1st Engrossment - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 09/03/2014 09:25am

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; regulating travel abroad study programs used for
postsecondary education credit; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 136A.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [136A.89] STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this
subdivision have the meanings given them.
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new text begin (b) "Postsecondary institution" means an institution that meets the eligibility
requirements under section 136A.103 to participate in state financial aid programs.
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new text begin (c) "Program" means a study abroad program offered or approved for credit by a
postsecondary institution in which program participants travel outside of the United States
in connection with an educational experience.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin (a) A postsecondary institution, must file by November 1 of
each year a report on its programs with the office. The report must contain the following
information from the previous academic year, including summer terms:
new text end

new text begin (1) deaths of program participants that occurred during program participation as a
result of program participation; and
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new text begin (2) accidents and illnesses that occurred during program participation as a result of
program participation and that required hospitalization.
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new text begin Information reported under clause (1) may be supplemented by a brief explanatory
statement.
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new text begin (b) A postsecondary institution must report to the office annually by November
1 whether its program complies with health and safety standards set by the Forum on
Education Abroad or similar study abroad program standard setting agency.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Office of Higher Education; publication of program information. new text end

new text begin (a)
The office must publish the reports required by subdivision 2, on its Web site in a format
that facilitates identifying information related to a particular postsecondary institution.
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new text begin (b) The office shall publish on its Web site the best available information by country
on sexual assaults and other criminal acts affecting study abroad program participants
during program participation. This information shall not be limited to programs subject
to this section.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Program material. new text end

new text begin A postsecondary institution must include in its written
materials provided to prospective program participants a link to the office Web site stating
that program health and safety information is available at the Web site.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2014, provided that the
initial reports under subdivision 2 are due November 1, 2015.
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Sec. 2. new text begin STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM; ASSESSMENT OF APPROPRIATE
REGULATION.
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new text begin The Office of Higher Education shall, using existing staff and budget, assess the
appropriate state regulation of postsecondary study abroad programs. The assessment
must be based on a balanced approach of protecting the health and safety of program
participants and maintaining the opportunity of students to study abroad. The office shall
report the results of its assessment with any legislative recommendation by February 1,
2015, to the committees of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over higher education.
new text end