SF 2306

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 06/14/2023 08:51am

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; establishing a postsecondary student basic needs
working group; requiring a report; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin POSTSECONDARY STUDENT BASIC NEEDS WORKING GROUP;
REPORT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Direction. new text end

new text begin By September 1, 2023, the commissioner of the Office of
Higher Education shall convene a working group on postsecondary student basic needs.
The commissioner shall invite representatives from Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities, the University of Minnesota, nonprofit private colleges, Tribal colleges and
universities, student organizations, state agencies, and other interested parties as determined
by the commissioner to participate in the working group.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The working group must review, assess, and make specific
recommendations on strategies to meet the basic needs of higher education students. The
report must include a comprehensive plan on how to identify, assess, and support students
who are experiencing housing and food insecurity. The report may also include proposals
for substantive and technical amendments to Minnesota Statutes, chapters 135A to 137, and
any other laws that relate to higher education. The working group may also make specific
recommendations with regard to policy changes for the Office of Higher Education and
postsecondary institutions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report to legislature. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of higher education shall file a report
detailing the working group's findings and recommendations with the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over higher education
policy and finance by September 1, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
higher education to administer the program under section 1 and provide stipends to
participants of the working group who are students. A student participant must receive a
stipend, as determined by the commissioner, for each meeting the student attends.
new text end