ARTICLE 1

APPROPRIATIONS

ARTICLE 2

HIGHER EDUCATION PROVISIONS

135A.137 HUNGER-FREE CAMPUS DESIGNATION.

135A.1582 PROTECTIONS FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS.

new text begin [136A.054] CONSOLIDATED COMPETITIVE GRANT AND STUDENT
LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM REPORTING.
new text end

136A.103 INSTITUTION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

136A.155 ADDITIONAL INSTITUTION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

136A.162 CLASSIFICATION OF DATA.

136A.1796 TRIBAL COLLEGE SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT ASSISTANCE.

136A.658 EXEMPTION; STATE AUTHORIZATION RECIPROCITY
AGREEMENT SCHOOLS.

136A.82 new text begin POLICY; new text end CITATION.

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
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 Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end

new text begin Subd. 19. new text end

new text begin Subd. 20. new text end

new text begin Subd. 21. new text end

new text begin Subd. 22. new text end

new text begin Subd. 23. new text end

new text begin Subd. 24. new text end

new text begin Subd. 25. new text end

new text begin Subd. 26. new text end

new text begin Subd. 27. new text end

new text begin Subd. 28. new text end

new text begin Subd. 29. new text end

new text begin Subd. 30. new text end

new text begin Subd. 31. new text end

new text begin Subd. 32. new text end

new text begin Subd. 33. new text end

new text begin Subd. 34. new text end

new text begin Subd. 35. new text end

new text begin Subd. 36. 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 Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. 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 Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin TRANSFERS.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin CANCELLATION; ALS RESEARCH.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Section 1.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 2.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

Subd. 3.

new text begin Subd. 3a. new text end

Subd. 4.

Sec. 3.

Subd. 2a.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

Sec. 4.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 5.

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

Sec. 6.

Sec. 7.

Subd. 5a.

Sec. 8.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

Sec. 9.

Subd. 9.

Sec. 10.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 11.

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

Sec. 12.

Subd. 2.

Sec. 13.

Sec. 14.

Sec. 15.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 16.

Subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.

Subd. 3.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 17.

Subd. 1a.

Sec. 18.

Subd. 3.

Sec. 19.

Subd. 6.

Sec. 20.

Subd. 8.

Sec. 21.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 22.

Subd. 5.

Sec. 23.

Sec. 24.

Subdivision 1.

Sec. 25.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

Sec. 26.

Subd. 4.

Sec. 27.

Subd. 5.

new text begin Total Appropriation
new text end

new text begin State Grants
new text end

new text begin Child Care Grants
new text end

new text begin State Work-Study
new text end

new text begin Interstate Tuition Reciprocity
new text end

new text begin Safety Officer's Survivors
new text end

new text begin Indian Scholarships
new text end

new text begin Tribal College Supplemental Assistance
Grants
new text end

new text begin Intervention for College Attendance
Program Grants
new text end

new text begin Information for Students and Parents
new text end

new text begin Get Ready!
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Education Equity
Partnership
new text end

new text begin Midwest Higher Education Compact
new text end

new text begin United Family Medicine Residency
Program
new text end

new text begin MnLINK Gateway and Minitex
new text end

new text begin Statewide Longitudinal Education
Data System
new text end

new text begin Hennepin Healthcare
new text end

new text begin Campus Sexual Assault Reporting
new text end

new text begin Campus Sexual Violence Prevention
and Response Coordinator
new text end

new text begin Grants to Student Teachers in
Shortage Areas
new text end

new text begin Grants to Underrepresented Student
Teachers
new text end

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

new text begin Loan Repayment Assistance Program
new text end

new text begin Hunger-Free Campus Grants
new text end

new text begin Fostering Independence Higher
Education Grants
new text end

new text begin Student Parent Support Initiative
new text end

new text begin Director of Tribal Relations
new text end

new text begin Direct Admissions Program
new text end

new text begin American Indian Scholars
new text end

new text begin Inclusive Higher Education
new text end

new text begin Addiction Medicine Graduate Medical
Education Fellowship
new text end

new text begin Unemployment Insurance Aid
new text end

new text begin North Star Promise; Administrative
Costs
new text end

new text begin Agency Administration
new text end

new text begin Balances Forward
new text end

new text begin Transfer Authority
new text end

new text begin Total Appropriation
new text end

new text begin Central Office and Shared Services
Unit
new text end

new text begin Operations and Maintenance
new text end

new text begin Learning Network of Minnesota
new text end

new text begin Juvenile Detention Alternatives
Initiative
new text end

new text begin Total Appropriation
new text end

new text begin Operations and Maintenance
new text end

new text begin Primary Care Education Initiatives
new text end

new text begin Special Appropriations
new text end

new text begin Academic Health Center
new text end

new text begin Agriculture Sector; Extreme Weather
new text end

Statement of missions.

Establishment.

Designation approval.

Competitive grant.

new text begin Grant amounts. new text end

deleted text begin Grant requirementsdeleted text end new text begin Match requirednew text end .

Campus deleted text begin investigation and disciplinary hearing proceduresdeleted text end new text begin sexual
misconduct grievance proceduresnew text end .

deleted text begin Definitiondeleted text end new text begin Definitionsnew text end .

Rights and protections.

Policy on discrimination.

Administration.

new text begin Treatment of appropriations. new text end

Assigned family responsibility.

new text begin Eligibility. new text end

new text begin Ineligibility. new text end

Awards.

Definitions.

new text begin Resident tuition. new text end

Conditions for eligibility.

Terms and conditions of loans.

Definitions.

Eligibility; grant assistance.

Grant application.

Reporting by recipient institutions.

Definitions.

Eligible training provider.

Employer match.

Grant amounts.

Criteria for approval.

Higher Learning Commission accredited institutions in Minnesota.

Registration fees.

new text begin Policy. new text end

new text begin Citation. new text end

Person.

Private career school.

Engrossments
Introduction		Posted on 03/17/2025
1st Engrossment		Posted on 04/21/2025
2nd Engrossment		Posted on 04/24/2025

Unofficial Engrossments
1st Unofficial Engrossment		Posted on 05/01/2025

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 "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin 312,749,000
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin 312,968,000
new text end

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

241,790,000

new text begin (a) 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 (b) For purposes of Minnesota Statutes,
section 136A.121, subdivision 6, a tuition and
fee maximum is established for four-year
programs that is the lesser of: (1) the average
tuition and fees charged by the institution; or
(2) an amount equal to the highest tuition and
fees charged at a public university in the
2024-2025 academic year plus one percent for
fiscal year 2026, plus an additional one percent
for fiscal year 2027.
new text end

new text begin (c) The base for this appropriation is
$242,707,000 in fiscal year 2028 and
thereafter.
new text end

6,694,000

11,752,000

8,500,000

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

100,000

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

3,500,000

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. This
appropriation includes funding to administer
the American Indian scholarship program.
new text end

3,650,000

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

new text begin Each eligible Tribal college may receive a
minimum grant in an amount no less than
$1,000,000, subject to available
appropriations.
new text end

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

1,142,000

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

122,000

150,000

45,000

115,000

501,000

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

6,655,000

6,708,000

2,550,000

645,000

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

25,000

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

150,000

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

500,000

new text begin For grants to student teachers in shortage areas
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

1,125,000

new text begin For grants to underrepresented student teachers
under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1274.
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

200,000

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

55,000

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

1,000,000

new text begin For the Hunger-Free Campus program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.137.
new text end

4,416,000

new text begin For grants to eligible students under Minnesota
Statutes, section 136A.1241. The Office of
Higher Education may use no more than three
percent of the appropriation to administer
grants.
new text end

1,000,000

new text begin For grants to support student parents under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1251. Of
this amount, up to $338,000 each year is for
administrative and promotional costs.
new text end

new text begin The base for this appropriation is $0 in fiscal
year 2028 and thereafter.
new text end

143,000

650,000

new text begin For the direct admissions program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.84.
new text end

8,500,000

new text begin To support implementation of Minnesota
Statutes, section 135A.121.
new text end

new text begin $4,032,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $4,032,000
in fiscal year 2027 are for transfer to the Board
of Regents of the University of Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin $4,468,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $4,468,000
in fiscal year 2027 are for transfer to the Board
of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities.
new text end

250,000

new text begin To enter into a contract establishing the
Inclusive Higher Education Technical
Assistance Center under Minnesota Statutes,
section 135A.161.
new text end

270,000

new text begin (a) For a grant to Hennepin County Medical
Center to support up to six physicians enrolled
in an addiction medicine fellowship program.
If the appropriation for either year is
insufficient, the appropriation for the other
year is available for it.
new text end

new text begin (b) Each year, in order to receive funds under
this subdivision, Hennepin County Medical
Center must certify to the commissioner the
number of physicians actually enrolled in an
addiction medicine fellowship for that year.
The commissioner shall transfer to Hennepin
County Medical Center $90,000 for each
physician enrolled in an addiction medicine
fellowship subject to the total funds
appropriated by this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (c) This appropriation shall be used to prepare
fellows to practice addiction medicine in rural
and underserved areas of the state, and to train
fellows in: diagnostic interviewing;
motivational interviewing; addiction
counseling; recognition and care of common
acute withdrawal syndromes and
complications; pharmacotherapies of addictive
disorders; epidemiology and pathophysiology
of addiction; identification and treatment of
addictive disorders in special populations;
secondary interventions; the use of screening
and diagnostic instruments; inpatient care; and
working within a multidisciplinary team.
new text end

158,000

new text begin For unemployment insurance aid to Tribal
colleges under Minnesota Statutes, section
268.193. Of the amount appropriated, $24,000
each year is for administration of the
unemployment insurance aid.
new text end

202,000

new text begin For administrative and promotion expenses to
implement and direct the scholarship awards
under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1465.
new text end

6,194,000

6,360,000

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 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 public safety officers'
survivors appropriation, and the fostering
independence higher education grant program.
The commissioner may transfer unencumbered
balances from the Hunger-Free Campus
appropriations to the emergency assistance for
postsecondary students grant. To the extent
there is a projected surplus in the appropriation
for either the student teachers in shortage areas
grant program or the underrepresented student
teacher grant program, the commissioner may
transfer unencumbered balances between the
two programs as needed to meet demand.
Transfers from the child care, state
work-study, or Hunger-Free Campus
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

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin 877,939,000
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin 877,950,000
new text end

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

36,401,000

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

836,923,000

836,934,000

new text begin (a) This appropriation includes $37,500,000
in fiscal year 2026 and $37,500,000 in fiscal
year 2027 for student tuition relief.
new text end

new text begin (b) $5,700,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$5,700,000 in fiscal year 2027 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 at least $158,000 for each
campus not located in a metropolitan county
in each year to the president of each institution
that includes such a campus.
new text end

new text begin (c) 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 (d) $4,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$4,500,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for
workforce development scholarships under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136F.38.
new text end

new text begin (e) $300,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $300,000
in fiscal year 2027 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 (f) $40,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $40,000 in
fiscal year 2027 are to implement the sexual
assault policies required under Minnesota
Statutes, section 135A.15.
new text end

new text begin (g) $9,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$9,500,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for
enterprise-wide technology, including
upgrading the Integrated Statewide Record
System and maintaining enterprise-wide
technology services.
new text end

new text begin (h) $50,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $50,000
in fiscal year 2027 are to reduce students'
out-of-pocket costs by expanding free
offerings in course materials and resources,
including through open educational resources,
open textbooks, and implementation of
Z-Degrees under Minnesota Statutes, section
136F.305.
new text end

new text begin (i) $3,158,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$3,158,000 in fiscal year 2027 are to expand
student support services. This appropriation
provides funding to campuses to address basic
needs insecurity, mental health, and other
high-need student support services by
increasing the amount of available resources
to students. In addition, this funding provides
systemwide resources and coordination,
including electronic connections for peer
support and professional clinical support for
mental health. These systemwide resources
must be available online 24 hours a day, seven
days a week.
new text end

new text begin (j) $883,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $894,000
in fiscal year 2027 are for costs associated
with the increased employer contribution rates
for the higher education individual retirement
account plan under Minnesota Statutes, section
354B.23, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin (k) $282,000 the first year and $282,000 the
second year are to pay the cost of supplies and
equipment necessary to provide access to
menstrual products under Minnesota Statutes,
section 135A.1365.
new text end

new text begin (l) $809,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $809,000
in fiscal year 2027 are for unemployment
insurance aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 268.193, to institutions within the
system.
new text end

new text begin (m) $2,250,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$2,250,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for direct
emergency grants to students. This
appropriation must be used for emergency
grants to students to meet immediate student
needs that could result in a student not
completing the term or the 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

4,115,000

500,000

new text begin For transfer to Metropolitan State University.
Of this amount: $280,000 each year is to
provide juvenile justice services and resources,
including the Juvenile Detention Alternatives
Initiative, to Minnesota counties and federally
recognized Tribes; and $220,000 each year is
for funding to local units of government,
federally recognized Tribes, and agencies to
support local Juvenile Detention Alternative
Initiatives, including but not limited to
alternatives to detention. Any unencumbered
balance remaining in the first year does not
cancel and is available in the second year.
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin 756,660,000
new text end

new text begin $
new text end

new text begin 741,398,000
new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 754,503,000 new text end	new text begin 739,241,000 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

693,056,000

677,794,000

new text begin (a) $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$15,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 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 2026 and
$7,800,000 in fiscal year 2027 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 2026 and
$4,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 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 2026 and $500,000
in fiscal year 2027 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) $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for
systemwide safety and security measures on
University of Minnesota campuses.
new text end

new text begin (f) $366,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $366,000
in fiscal year 2027 are for unemployment
insurance aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 268.193.
new text end

new text begin (g) $110,000 the first year and $110,000 the
second year are to pay the cost of supplies and
equipment necessary to provide access to
menstrual products under Minnesota Statutes,
section 135A.1365.
new text end

new text begin (h) $1,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$1,500,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for a
partnership between the University of
Minnesota Medical School and CentraCare to
establish and operate new residency programs
and maintain existing residency programs
based in CentraCare hospitals and clinics in
the cities of St. Cloud and Willmar. Eligible
uses of this appropriation include but are not
limited to program administration, curriculum
development, resident recruitment, training,
and resident stipends.
new text end

new text begin (i) $750,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $750,000
in fiscal year 2027 are for direct emergency
grants to students. This appropriation must be
used for emergency grants to students to meet
immediate student needs that could result in
a student not completing the term or the
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 (j) $15,262,000 in fiscal year 2026 is for a
collaborative partnership with the Mayo Clinic
to engage in ongoing research into
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with the
goal of bettering the lives of individuals with
ALS and finding a cure for the disease. This
is a onetime appropriation. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28,
unencumbered balances under this paragraph
do not cancel until June 30, 2029. Beginning
January 15, 2026, and annually thereafter until
January 15, 2030, or until the money is fully
expended, whichever occurs first, the Board
of Regents must submit a report to the
legislature specifying how the collaborative
partnership has used money under this
paragraph.
new text end

2,157,000

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

(a) Agriculture and Extension Service

42,922,000

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, 2027, 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

(b) Health Sciences

9,204,000

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

1,140,000

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

(d) System Special

7,181,000

new text begin (1) 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) $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
$2,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the
Natural Resources Research Institute to invest
in applied research in natural resource
stewardship and economic development to
attract and retain top talent; provide matching
funds for federal grants; upgrade facilities,
equipment, and training; and expand
entrepreneurial support and outreach efforts.
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

1,000,000

new text begin For a program in the University of Minnesota
Extension Service that enhances the capacity
of the state's agriculture sector, land and
resource managers, and communities to plan
for and adapt to weather extremes, including
but not limited to droughts and floods. The
base for this appropriation in fiscal year 2028
and later is $1,000,000. The appropriation
under this section must be used to support
existing extension service staff members and
to hire additional staff members for a program
with broad geographic reach throughout the
state. The program must:
new text end

new text begin (1) identify, develop, implement, and evaluate
educational programs that increase the
capacity of Minnesota's agriculture sector,
land and resource managers, and communities
to be prepared for and adapt to projected
physical changes in temperature, precipitation,
and other weather parameters that affect crops,
land, horticulture, pests, and wildlife in ways
that present challenges to the state's agriculture
sector and the communities that depend on the
agriculture sector; and
new text end

new text begin (2) communicate and interpret the latest
research on critical weather trends and the
scientific basis for critical weather trends to
further prepare extension service staff
throughout the state to educate and provide
technical assistance to the agriculture sector,
land and resource managers, and community
members at the local level regarding technical
information on water resource management,
agriculture and forestry, engineering and
infrastructure design, and emergency
management that is necessary to develop
strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme
weather change.
new text end

new text begin (a) $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2027 are transferred from
the general fund to the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury grant account in the special
revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.901, subdivision 1. The commissioner
may use up to three percent of the amounts transferred under this paragraph to administer
the program. For fiscal years 2028 through 2031, the commissioner of management and
budget must include a transfer of $500,000 each year from the general fund to the spinal
cord and traumatic brain injury grant account in the special revenue fund under Minnesota
Statutes, section 136A.901, subdivision 1, when preparing each forecast from the effective
date of this section through the February 2027 forecast, under Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.103.
new text end

new text begin (b) $3,882,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $3,882,000 in fiscal year 2027 are transferred
from the general fund to the dual training account in the special revenue fund under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.246, subdivision 10. Of the amounts transferred under
this paragraph:
new text end

new text begin (1) $132,000 each year is for transfer to the Department of Labor and Industry to support
identification of competency standards and development of dual training programs in the
transportation and child care industries as required under Minnesota Statutes, section 175.45;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) $750,000 each year is for grants to employers in the legal cannabis industry. The
commissioner may use up to six percent of the amounts transferred under this clause to
administer the program. The commissioner must give priority to applications from employers
who are, or who are training employees who are, eligible as social equity applicants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 342.17. After June 30, 2027, any unencumbered balance from
this transfer may be used for grants to any eligible employer under Minnesota Statutes,
section 136A.246.
new text end

new text begin This transfer is $3,882,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year thereafter. For fiscal years
2028 through 2031, the commissioner of management and budget must include a transfer
of $3,882,000 each year from the general fund to the dual training account in the special
revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.246, subdivision 10, when preparing
each forecast from the effective date of this section through the February 2027 forecast,
under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103.
new text end

new text begin (c) $325,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $325,000 in fiscal year 2027 are transferred from
the general fund to the large animal veterinarian loan forgiveness program account in the
special revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1795, subdivision 2. For fiscal
years 2028 through 2031, the commissioner of management and budget must include a
transfer of $325,000 each year from the general fund to the large animal veterinarian loan
forgiveness program account in the special revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section
136A.1795, subdivision 2, when preparing each forecast from the effective date of this
section through the February 2027 forecast, under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103.
new text end

new text begin (d) $45,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $45,000 in fiscal year 2027 are transferred from the
general fund to the agricultural education loan forgiveness account in the special revenue
fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1794, subdivision 2. For fiscal years 2028
through 2031, the commissioner of management and budget must include a transfer of
$45,000 each year from the general fund to the agricultural education loan forgiveness
account in the special revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1794, subdivision
2, when preparing each forecast from the effective date of this section through the February
2027 forecast, under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103.
new text end

new text begin (e) $750,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $750,000 in fiscal year 2027 are transferred from
the general fund to the inclusive higher education grant account in the special revenue fund
under Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.162, subdivision 4. The commissioner may use up
to five percent of the amounts transferred under this paragraph to administer the program.
For fiscal years 2028 through 2031, the commissioner of management and budget must
include a transfer of $750,000 each year from the general fund to the inclusive higher
education grant account in the special revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section
135A.162, subdivision 4, when preparing each forecast from the effective date of this section
through the February 2027 forecast, under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103.
new text end

new text begin (f) $49,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $49,500,000 in fiscal year 2027 are transferred
from the general fund to the account in the special revenue fund for North Star Promise
scholarships under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1465, subdivision 8. For fiscal years
2028 through 2031, the commissioner of management and budget must include a transfer
of $49,500,000 each year from the general fund to the account in the special revenue fund
for North Star Promise scholarships under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1465,
subdivision 8, when preparing each forecast from the effective date of this section through
the February 2027 forecast, under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103.
new text end

new text begin Of the amount appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of the Office of
Higher Education pursuant to Laws 2022, chapter 42, section 2, paragraph (b), as amended
by Laws 2024, chapter 124, article 1, section 1, and Laws 2024, chapter 127, article 34,
section 1, $15,262,263 is canceled.
new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Laws 2022, chapter 42, section 2, as amended by Laws 2024, chapter 124, article 1,
section 1, and Laws 2024, chapter 127, article 34, section 1, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 136A.091; 136A.1788; 136A.1789; 136A.1791,
subdivisions 1, 2, 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; and 136A.91, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

new text begin (c) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.1251, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, and 4, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

new text begin Paragraphs (a) and (b) are effective July 1, 2025. Money for
programs under Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 136A.1789 and 136A.1791, may remain
in their respective special revenue fund accounts to facilitate a close out of the programs.
Paragraph (c) is effective July 1, 2027.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 135A.052, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) The legislature recognizes each type of public
postsecondary institution to have a distinctive mission within the overall provision of public
higher education in the state and a responsibility to cooperate with each other. These missions
are as follows:

(1) the technical colleges shall offer vocational training and education to prepare students
for skilled occupations that do not require a baccalaureate degree;

(2) the community colleges shall offer lower division instruction in academic programs,
occupational programs in which all credits earned will be accepted for transfer to a
baccalaureate degree in the same field of study, and remedial studies, for students transferring
to baccalaureate institutions and for those seeking associate degrees;

(3) consolidated community technical colleges shall offer the same types of instruction,
programs, certificates, diplomas, and degrees as the technical colleges and community
colleges offer;

(4) the state universities shall offer undergraduate and graduate instruction through the
master's degree, including specialist certificates, in the liberal arts and sciences and
professional education, and may offer applied doctoral degrees in education, business,
psychology, physical therapy, audiology, new text begin cybersecurity, new text end and nursing; and

(5) the University of Minnesota shall offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional
instruction through the doctoral degree, and shall be the primary state supported academic
agency for research and extension services.

(b) It is part of the mission of each system that within the system's resources the system's
governing board and chancellor or president shall endeavor to:

(1) prevent the waste or unnecessary spending of public money;

(2) use innovative fiscal and human resource practices to manage the state's resources
and operate the system as efficiently as possible;

(3) coordinate the system's activities wherever appropriate with the activities of the other
system and governmental agencies;

(4) use technology where appropriate to increase system productivity, improve customer
service, increase public access to information about the system, and increase public
participation in the business of the system;

(5) utilize constructive and cooperative labor-management practices to the extent
otherwise required by chapters 43A and 179A; and

(6) recommend to the legislature appropriate changes in law necessary to carry out the
mission of the system.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 135A.137, is amended to read:

(a) A Hunger-Free Campus designation is established
for public postsecondary institutions deleted text begin and fordeleted text end new text begin ,new text end nonprofit degree-granting institutions physically
located in Minnesota and registered with the Office of Higher Education under section
136A.63new text begin , and Tribal collegesnew text end . In order to be awarded the designation, an institution must
meet the following minimum criteria:

(1) have an established on-campus food pantry or partnership with a local food bank to
provide regular, on-campus food distributions;

(2) provide information to students on SNAP, MFIP, and other programs that reduce
food insecurity. The institution shall notify students in work-study employment of their
potential eligibility for SNAP benefits and provide information to those students that includes
eligibility criteria and how to apply for benefits;

(3) hold or participate in one hunger awareness event per academic year;

(4) have an established emergency assistance grant that is available to students; and

(5) establish a hunger task force that meets a minimum of three times per academic year.
The task force must include at least two students currently enrolled at the institution.

(b) Each institution must reapply at least every four years to maintain the designation.

Thenew text begin commissioner, in collaboration with thenew text end student
advisory council under section 136A.031new text begin ,new text end shall create an application process for institutions
applying for deleted text begin grant fundsdeleted text end new text begin the designationnew text end . Thenew text begin commissioner, in collaboration with thenew text end student
advisory councilnew text begin ,new text end shall review applications deleted text begin and make recommendations to the commissionerdeleted text end .
The new text begin student advisory council may provide recommendations to the commissioner, but the
new text end commissioner shall have final approval for the designation deleted text begin and the award amountdeleted text end .

deleted text begin (a) Institutions eligible for a grant under this subdivision
include public postsecondary institutions, nonprofit private postsecondary institutions, and
Tribal colleges.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (a)new text end The commissioner shall establish a competitive grant program to distribute grants
to deleted text begin eligible institutionsdeleted text end new text begin public postsecondary institutions, nonprofit postsecondary institutions,
and Tribal collegesnew text end to meet and maintain the requirementsnew text begin for the Hunger-Free Campus
designationnew text end under deleted text begin subdivision 1, paragraph (a)deleted text end new text begin this sectionnew text end . Initial grants shall be made to
institutions that have not earned the designation and demonstrate a need for funding to meet
the Hunger-Free Campus designation requirements. Sustaining grants shall be made to
institutions that have earned the designation and demonstrate both a partnership with a local
food bank or organization that provides regular, on-campus food distributions and a need
for funds to maintain the requirements under subdivision 1, paragraph (a).

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (b) In awarding competitive grants,new text end the commissioner deleted text begin shall give preference to
applications for initial grants and to applications from institutions with the highest number
of federal Pell Grant eligible students enrolled. The commissioner shall consider the head
count at the institution when awarding grants. The maximum grant award for an initial
institution designation is $25,000. The maximum grant award for sustaining an institution
designation is $15,000.deleted text end new text begin must consider, among other factors:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of federal Pell Grant eligible students enrolled in the last academic year
at the institution; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the total number of students enrolled at the institution.
new text end

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end The commissioner, in collaboration with deleted text begin student associations representing eligible
institutionsdeleted text end new text begin the Student Advisory Council under section 136A.031new text end , shall create an application
process and establish selection criteria for awarding the grants.

deleted text begin (e) No more than 20 percent of the total grant awards each fiscal year shall be for grants
to nonprofit private postsecondary institutions.
deleted text end

new text begin (a) The maximum grant amount for an initial grant is $25,000
per fiscal year.
new text end

new text begin (b) The maximum grant amount for a sustaining grant is $15,000 per fiscal year.
new text end

new text begin (c) Eligible institutions may only receive one initial grant.
new text end

new text begin (d) If grant requests exceed the amount of available money, no more than 20 percent of
the total grant awards shall be for grants to nonprofit private postsecondary institutions.
new text end

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end An eligible institution that receives
a grant under subdivision 3 mustdeleted text begin :deleted text end new text begin match at least 50 percent of the grant amount awarded
with money or in-kind resources.
new text end

deleted text begin (1) use the grant funds to meet or maintain the minimum criteria of a hunger-free campus
designation under subdivision 1; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) match at least 50 percent of the grant amount awarded with funds or in-kind resources.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a), in order to receive a sustaining grant,
an institution must demonstrate a partnership with a local food bank or organization or other
source of funding that ensures regular, on-campus distributions.
deleted text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 135A.15, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

(a) A postsecondary institution must provide a reporting
party an opportunity for an impartial, timely, and thorough investigation of a report of sexual
misconduct against a student. If an investigation reveals that sexual misconduct has occurred,
the institution must take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the sexual
misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and, as appropriate, remedy its effects.

(b)new text begin An institution must offer and coordinate academic and residential supportive measures
as needed and equitably to both the reporting and responding parties participating in a
campus sexual misconduct grievance process, including but not limited to exam or assignment
extensions, permitted class absence, a change in on-campus residence, and schedule changes.
new text end

new text begin (c) An institution must allow the reporting and responding parties to present and review
relevant evidence. Testimony by the parties and witnesses must be compiled in an
investigative report.
new text end

new text begin (d)new text end Throughout any investigation or disciplinary proceeding, deleted text begin a postsecondarydeleted text end new text begin annew text end
institution must treat the reporting parties, responding parties, witnesses, and other
participants in the proceeding with dignity and respect.

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (e)new text end If deleted text begin a postsecondarydeleted text end new text begin annew text end institution conducts a hearing, deleted text begin an advisordeleted text end new text begin the reporting and
responding partiesnew text end may provide opening and closing remarksnew text begin , or a party's advisor may
provide opening or closing remarksnew text end on behalf of deleted text begin adeleted text end new text begin thenew text end party or assist with formulating
questions to the other party or witnesses about deleted text begin relateddeleted text end new text begin relevantnew text end evidence or credibility.

new text begin (f) An institution must allow equal opportunity during the hearing for the reporting and
responding parties to consult an additional support person other than the party's advisor,
such as an advocate, if requested and deemed appropriate by the Title IX coordinator or
designee.
new text end

new text begin (g) The reporting and responding parties must be given equal opportunity to question
the credibility of the other party and witnesses through a live hearing or questioning by a
decision-maker, pursuant to paragraph (i).
new text end

new text begin (h) If an institution allows for cross-examination of witnesses and parties, the reporting
party and the responding party are not permitted to personally cross-examine each other or
any witnesses. Any cross-examination must be performed by the party's advisor or an
adjudicator of the campus disciplinary proceeding.
new text end

new text begin (i) An institution must appoint a decision-maker or panel of decision-makers who are
not the investigator to assess the credibility of the reporting party, the responding party, and
any other witnesses through a live hearing or direct questioning.
new text end

new text begin (j) If the facts and circumstances rise to a policy violation, an institution must proceed
with the campus sexual misconduct grievance process concurrently with a criminal
investigation if requested by the reporting party.
new text end

new text begin (k) Personal information of the reporting party such as character witness or sexual
behavior of the reporting party is allowable if the information is deemed relevant by the
decision-maker and if the information substantiates that the misconduct may have occurred.
Mental health and medical information of the reporting party may be considered if: (1) a
release is signed by the reporting party; and (2) nonrelevant information is redacted. If a
responding party is found responsible, medical and mental health information of the reporting
party may be considered to determine sanctions.
new text end

new text begin (l) Questions and evidence about the reporting party's sexual predisposition or prior
sexual behavior are not considered relevant unless such questions and evidence: (1) are
offered to prove that someone other than the responding party committed the alleged conduct;
or (2) concern specific incidents of the reporting party's prior sexual behavior with respect
to the responding party and are offered to prove consent.
new text end

new text begin (m) The responding and reporting parties may discuss the investigation and disciplinary
proceedings with an advisor of choice, the party's parents, or an authorized legal guardian.
new text end

new text begin (n) An institution must deliver the outcome of the grievance process simultaneously to
the reporting and responding parties.
new text end

new text begin (o) An institution must inform the reporting and responding parties no later than 24
hours before a decision is rendered regarding the timeline of the outcome's release. Alongside
the notice of the outcome, an institution must offer community mental health and, if
applicable, on-campus resources equitably to a reporting and responding party. The outcome
must not be delivered to a reporting or responding party at the end of the day or on a weekend
or holiday to ensure that the reporting and responding parties may access supportive services.
new text end

new text begin (p) Institutions must have a policy prohibiting retaliation that specifies what constitutes
retaliation and possible actions for students and employees if retaliation occurs. Retaliation
against the reporting party, responding party, or witnesses resulting from a person's
participation in a campus sexual misconduct investigation is prohibited.
new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 135A.1582, is amended to read:

(a) For deleted text begin the purposedeleted text end new text begin purposesnew text end of this section, the
following deleted text begin term hasdeleted text end new text begin terms havenew text end the deleted text begin meaningdeleted text end new text begin meaningsnew text end given.

(b) "Parenting student" means a student enrolled at a public college or university who
is the parent or legal guardian of or can claim as a dependent a child under the age of 18.

new text begin (c) "Pregnancy or related conditions" has the meaning given in Code of Federal
Regulations, title 34, section 106.2.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Postsecondary institution" means an institution governed by the Board of Trustees
of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities or a private postsecondary institution that
offers in-person courses on a campus located in Minnesota and is an eligible institution as
defined in section 136A.103. Institutions governed by the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota are requested to comply with this section.
new text end

(a) A deleted text begin Minnesota state college or universitydeleted text end new text begin
postsecondary institutionnew text end may not require and the University of Minnesota is requested not
to require a pregnant or parenting student, solely because of the student's status as a pregnant
or parenting student or due to issues related to the student's pregnancy or parenting, to:

(1) take a leave of absence or withdraw from the student's degree or certificate program;

(2) limit the student's studies;

(3) participate in an alternative program;

(4) change the student's major, degree, or certificate program; or

(5) refrain from joining or cease participating in any course, activity, or program at the
college or university.

(b) A deleted text begin Minnesota state college or universitydeleted text end new text begin postsecondary institutionnew text end shall provide and
the University of Minnesota is requested to provide reasonable modifications to a pregnant
student, including modifications that:

(1) would be provided to a student with a temporary medical condition; or

(2) are related to the health and safety of the student and the student's unborn child, such
as allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from substances, areas, and activities
known to be hazardous to pregnant women or unborn children.

(c) A deleted text begin Minnesota state college or universitydeleted text end new text begin postsecondary institutionnew text end must and the
University of Minnesota is requested to, for reasons related to a student's pregnancy,
childbirth, or any resulting medical status or condition:

(1) excuse the student's absence;

(2) allow the student to make up missed assignments or assessments;

(3) allow the student additional time to complete assignments in the same manner as the
institution allows for a student with a temporary medical condition; and

(4) provide the student with access to instructional materials and video recordings of
lectures for classes for which the student has an excused absence under this section to the
same extent that instructional materials and video recordings of lectures are made available
to any other student with an excused absence.

(d) A deleted text begin Minnesota state college or universitydeleted text end new text begin postsecondary institutionnew text end must and the
University of Minnesota is requested to allow a pregnant or parenting student to:

(1) take a leave of absence; and

(2) if in good academic standing at the time the student takes a leave of absence, return
to the student's degree or certificate program in good academic standing without being
required to reapply for admission.

(e) If a deleted text begin public college or universitydeleted text end new text begin postsecondary institutionnew text end provides early registration
for courses or programs at the institution for any group of students, the deleted text begin Minnesota state
college or universitydeleted text end new text begin institutionnew text end must provide and the University of Minnesota is requested
to provide early registration for those courses or programs for pregnant or parenting students
in the same manner.

Each deleted text begin Minnesota state college or universitydeleted text end new text begin
postsecondary institutionnew text end must adopt and the University of Minnesota is requested to adopt
a policy for students on pregnancy and parenting discrimination. The policy must:

(1) include the contact information of the Title IX coordinator who is the designated
point of contact for a student requesting each protection or modification under this section.
Contact information must include the Title IX coordinator's name, phone number, email,
and office;

(2) be posted in an easily accessible, straightforward format on the college or university's
website; and

(3) be made available annually to faculty, staff, and employees of the college or
university.

The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education must,
in consultation with the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ,new text end the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, new text begin and other relevant stakeholders,
new text end establish guidelines, as necessary, to administer this section. The guidelines must establish
minimum periods for which a pregnant or parenting student must be given a leave of absence
under subdivision 2, paragraph (d). In establishing the minimum periods, the Office of
Higher Education shall consider the maximum amount of time a student may be absent
without significantly interfering with the student's ability to complete the student's degree
or certificate program.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin (a) The office may retain up to ten percent of
competitively awarded grants if another amount is not already designated as administrative
funding in the appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding section 16A.28, beginning in fiscal year 2025, the office may carry
forward unexpended and unencumbered nongrant operating appropriations from the second
year of a biennium into the next biennium.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education must report annually by February
15, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over higher education, on the details of programs administered under sections 135A.137,
136A.1251, 136A.1794, 136A.1795, 136A.246, 136A.861, and 136A.901, including the
following, where applicable:
new text end

new text begin (1) organizations receiving grant awards;
new text end

new text begin (2) grant award amounts and utilization rates;
new text end

new text begin (3) grant program activities, goals, and outcomes;
new text end

new text begin (4) grant matching sources and funding levels;
new text end

new text begin (5) number and amount of loan repayment awards disbursed; and
new text end

new text begin (6) demographic data of loan repayment program participants.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must report any additional data and outcomes relevant to the
evaluation of programs administered under sections 135A.137, 136A.1251, 136A.1794,
136A.1795, 136A.246, 136A.861, and 136A.901, and as evidenced by activities funded
under each program.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.101, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

new text begin (a) new text end "Assigned family responsibility" means
the amount of a family's contribution to a student's cost of attendance, as determined by a
federal need analysis. For dependent students, the assigned family responsibility is 79 percent
of the parental contribution. deleted text begin If the parental contribution is less than $0, the assigned family
responsibility is 100 percent of the parental contribution.deleted text end For independent students with
dependents other than a spouse, the assigned family responsibility is 71 percent of the student
contribution. For independent students without dependents other than a spouse, the assigned
family responsibility is 35 percent of the student contribution.

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), new text end if thenew text begin parental contribution for dependent students
or thenew text end student contributionnew text begin for independent studentsnew text end is less than $0, the assigned family
responsibility is deleted text begin 100 percent of the student contributiondeleted text end new text begin $0new text end .

new text begin (c)new text end For a student registering for less than full time, the office shall prorate the assigned
family responsibility using the ratio of the number of credits the student is enrolled in to
the number of credits for full-time enrollment.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.103, is amended to read:

(a) A postsecondary institution is eligible for state student
aid new text begin and to receive state student aid on behalf of students new text end undernew text begin thisnew text end chapter deleted text begin 136Adeleted text end and sections
197.791 and 299A.45, if the institution is located in this state and:

(1) is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota; or

(2) is operated privately anddeleted text begin , as determined by the office,deleted text end meets the requirements of
paragraph (b).

(b) A private institution must:

deleted text begin (1) maintain academic standards substantially equivalent to those of comparable
institutions operated in this state;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2)deleted text end new text begin (1)new text end be licensed or registered as a postsecondary institution by the office; and

deleted text begin (3)(i) by July 1, 2010, participate in the federal Pell Grant program under Title IV of
the Higher Education Act of 1965, Public Law 89-329, as amended; or
deleted text end

new text begin (2) meet one of the following criteria:
new text end

new text begin (i) the institution participates in the federal Pell Grant program under Title IV of the
Higher Education Act of 1965, Public Law 89-329, as amended;
new text end

(ii) deleted text begin if andeleted text end new text begin thenew text end institutionnew text begin :
new text end

new text begin (A)new text end was participating in state student aid programs as of June 30, 2010, deleted text begin and the institution
diddeleted text end new text begin but doesnew text end not participate in the federal Pell Grant program deleted text begin by June 30, 2010, the institution
must require every student who enrolls to sign a disclosure form, provided by the office,
stating that the institution is not participating in the federal Pell Grant program.deleted text end new text begin under Title
IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Public Law 89-329, as amended;
new text end

new text begin (B) requires every student who enrolls to sign a disclosure form, provided by the office,
stating that the institution is not participating in the federal Pell Grant program; and
new text end

new text begin (C) has not had a change in ownership as defined in section 136A.63, subdivision 2; or
new text end

deleted text begin (c) Andeleted text end new text begin (iii) thenew text end institution deleted text begin thatdeleted text end offers only graduate-level degrees or graduate-level
nondegree programs deleted text begin is an eligible institution if the institution is licensed or registered as a
postsecondary institution by the officedeleted text end new text begin and participates in federal financial aid under Title
IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Public Law 89-329, as amendednew text end .

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end An deleted text begin eligibledeleted text end institution under paragraph (b), clause deleted text begin (3), item (ii)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end , that changes
ownership as defined in section 136A.63, subdivision 2, deleted text begin must participate in the federal Pell
Grant program within four calendar years of the first ownership change to continue eligibilitydeleted text end new text begin
remains eligible for state student aid for six months following the change in ownershipnew text end .

deleted text begin (e) An institution that loses its eligibility for the federal Pell Grant program is not an
eligible institution. The office may terminate an institution's eligibility to participate in state
student aid programs effective the date of the loss of eligibility for the federal Pell Grant
program.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (f) An institution must maintain adequate administrative and financial standards and
compliance with all state statutes, rules, and administrative policies related to state financial
aid programs.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (g) The office may terminate a postsecondary institution's eligibility to participate in
state student aid programs if the institution is
deleted text end

new text begin A postsecondary institution otherwise eligible for state student
aid under this chapter and sections 197.791 and 299A.45 becomes ineligible if the institution:
new text end

new text begin (1) fails to maintain adequate compliance with administrative and financial standards
and compliance with all state statutes, rules, and administrative policies related to state
financial aid programs; or
new text end

new text begin (2) has beennew text end terminated from participating in federal financial aid programs by the United
States Department of Education for a violation of laws, regulations, or participation
agreements governing federal financial aid programs.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.121, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

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 received a state grant award for deleted text begin 180deleted text end new text begin
120new text end credits or the equivalent, excluding (1) 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, and (2) courses taken that qualify as developmental
education or below college-level. 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.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.1465, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

The following terms have the meanings given:

(1) "eligible student" means a resident student under section 136A.101, subdivision 8,
who is enrolled in any public postsecondary educational institution or Tribal college and
who meets the eligibility requirements in subdivision 2;

(2) "gift aid" includes:

(i) all federal financial aid that is not a loan or pursuant to a work-study program;

(ii) state financial aid, unless designated for other expenses, that is not a loan or pursuant
to a work-study program;

(iii) institutional financial aid, including a grant, scholarship, tuition waiver, fellowship
stipend, or other payment, unless designated for other expenses, that is not a loan or pursuant
to a work-study program; and

(iv) all private financial aid that is not a loan or pursuant to a work-study program.

Financial aid from the state, public postsecondary educational institutions, and Tribal colleges
that is specifically designated for other expenses is not gift aid for purposes of the North
Star Promise scholarship.

(3) "other expenses" includes books, required supplies, child care, emergency assistance,
food, and housing;

(4) "public postsecondary educational institution" means an institution operated by this
state, or the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota;

(5) "recognized cost of attendance" has the meaning given in United States Code, title
20, chapter 28, subchapter IV, part F, section 1087ll;

(6) "Tribal college" means a college defined in section 136A.1796, subdivision 1,
paragraph deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end ; and

(7) "tuition and fees" means the deleted text begin actualdeleted text end new text begin eligible residentnew text end tuition and mandatory fees
charged by an institution.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.1465, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin (a) The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is
requested to adopt a policy to charge resident tuition rates for all students eligible for North
Star Promise.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must adopt a
policy to charge resident tuition rates for all students eligible for North Star Promise.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.1465, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

A scholarship may be awarded to an eligible student
who:

(1) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the state
aid application;

(2) has a family adjusted gross income below $80,000;

(3) is a graduate of a secondary school or its equivalent, or is 17 years of age or over
and has met all requirements for admission as a student to an eligible college or university;

(4) has not deleted text begin earned adeleted text end new text begin completed the degree requirements for the firstnew text end baccalaureate degree
at the time the scholarship is awarded;

(5) is enrolled in at least one credit per fall, spring, or summer semester;

(6) is enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a degree, diploma, or
certificate;

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

(8) is not more than 30 days in arrears in court-ordered child support that is collected or
enforced by the public authority responsible for child support enforcement or, if the applicant
is more than 30 days in arrears in court-ordered child support that is collected or enforced
by the public authority responsible for child support enforcement, but is complying with a
written payment agreement under section 518A.69 or order for arrearages;

(9) has not been convicted of or pled nolo contendere or guilty to a crime involving
fraud in obtaining federal Title IV funds within the meaning of Code of Federal Regulations,
subtitle B, chapter VI, part 668, subpart C; and

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

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.155, is amended to read:

A postsecondary institution is an eligible institution for purposes of sections 136A.15
to 136A.1702, if the institution:

(1) meets the eligibility requirements under section 136A.103; or

(2) is operated publicly or privately in another statedeleted text begin ,deleted text end new text begin andnew text end is approved by the United States
Secretary of Educationdeleted text begin , and, as determined by the office, maintains academic standards
substantially equal to those of comparable institutions operated in this statedeleted text end .

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.162, is amended to read:

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), data on applicants for financial assistance
collected and used by the office for student financial aid programs administered by that
office are private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12.

(b) Data on applicants may be disclosed to the commissioner of children, youth, and
families to the extent necessary to determine eligibility under section 136A.121, subdivision
2, clause (5).

(c) The following data collected in the Minnesota supplemental loan program under
sections 136A.1701 and 136A.1704 may be disclosed to a consumer credit reporting agency
only if the borrower and the cosigner give informed consent, according to section 13.05,
subdivision 4, at the time of application for a loan:

(1) the lender-assigned borrower identification number;

(2) the name and address of borrower;

(3) the name and address of cosigner;

(4) the date the account is opened;

(5) the outstanding account balance;

(6) the dollar amount past due;

(7) the number of payments past due;

deleted text begin (8) the number of late payments in previous 12 months;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (9)deleted text end new text begin (8)new text end the type of account;

deleted text begin (10)deleted text end new text begin (9)new text end the responsibility for the account; and

deleted text begin (11)deleted text end new text begin (10)new text end the status or remarks code.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.1701, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

deleted text begin (a)deleted text end The office may loan money upon such
terms and conditions as the office may prescribe.new text begin Annually, the office must determine the
minimum loan amount, the maximum loan amount based on program type, the maximum
cumulative amount for each program type, and the maximum lifetime limit for an individual.
The annual amount of the loan must not exceed the cost of attendance as determined by the
eligible institution less all other financial aid.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) The minimum loan amount and a maximum loan amount to students must be
determined annually by the office. Loan limits are defined based on the type of program
enrollment, such as a certificate, an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a graduate
program. The aggregate principal amount of all loans made subject to this paragraph to a
student as an undergraduate and graduate student must not exceed $140,000. The amount
of the loan must not exceed the cost of attendance as determined by the eligible institution
less all other financial aid, including PLUS loans or other similar parent loans borrowed on
the student's behalf. A student may borrow up to the maximum amount twice in the same
grade level.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) The cumulative borrowing maximums must be determined annually by the office
and are defined based on program enrollment. In determining the cumulative borrowing
maximums, the office shall, among other considerations, take into consideration the maximum
SELF loan amount, student financing needs, funding capacity for the SELF program,
delinquency and default loss management, and current financial market conditions.
deleted text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.1796, is amended to read:

(a) As used in this section, the following terms have the
meanings given deleted text begin themdeleted text end .

new text begin (b) "Beneficiary student" means a resident of Minnesota who is enrolled in a certificate,
diploma, or degree program in a Tribally controlled college and is an enrolled member of
a federally recognized Indian Tribe.
new text end

deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end "Nonbeneficiary student" means a resident of Minnesota who is enrollednew text begin in a
certificate, diploma, or degree programnew text end in a Tribally controlled college but is not an enrolled
member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe.

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end "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.

(a) A Tribally controlled college is eligible to
receive supplemental grant assistance from the office, as provided in this section, for
new text begin beneficiary and new text end nonbeneficiary student enrollment deleted text begin if the college is not otherwise eligible
to receive federal grant funding for those students under United States Code, title 25, section
1808deleted text end .

(b) The office shall make grants to Tribally controlled colleges to defray the costs of
education associated with the enrollment of new text begin beneficiary and new text end nonbeneficiary students. Grants
made pursuant to this section must be provided directly to the recipient college.

To receive a grant under this section, a Tribally controlled
college must submit an application in the manner required by the office. Upon submission
of a completed application indicating that the Tribally controlled college is eligible, the
office shall distribute to the college, during each year of the biennium, a grant of $5,300
for each new text begin beneficiary and new text end nonbeneficiary student on a full-time equivalent basis. If the amount
appropriated for grants under this section is insufficient to cover the total amount of grant
eligibility, the office shall distribute a prorated amount per new text begin beneficiary and new text end nonbeneficiary
student on a full-time equivalent basis.

Each Tribally controlled college receiving
a grant under this section shall provide to the office, on an annual basis, an accurate and
detailed account of the expenditures of the grant funds received by the college, and a copy
of the college's most recent audit report and documentation of the enrollment status and
ethnic status of each new text begin beneficiary and new text end nonbeneficiary student for which grant assistance is
sought under this section.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.246, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

(a) The terms defined in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Competency standard" has the meaning given in section 175.45, subdivision 2.

(1) includes training to meet one or more identified competency standards;

(2) is instructor-led for a majority of the training; and

(3) results in the employee receiving an industry-recognized new text begin accredited new text end degree, certificate,
or credential.

(d) "Eligible training provider" means an institution:

(1) operated by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
or the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota;

(2) licensed or registered as a postsecondary institution by the office; or

(3) exempt from the provisions of section 136A.822 to 136A.834 or 136A.61 to 136A.71
as approved by the office.

(e) "Industry-recognized new text begin accredited new text end degrees, certificates, or credentials" means:

(1) certificates, diplomas, or degrees issued by deleted text begin adeleted text end new text begin an accreditednew text end postsecondary institution;

(2) registered apprenticeship certifications or certificates;

(3) occupational licenses or registrations;

(4) certifications issued by, or recognized by, industry or professional associations; and

(5) other certifications as approved by the commissioner.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.246, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

The Office of Higher Education and the Department
of Labor and Industry must cooperate in maintaining an inventory of new text begin accredited new text end degree,
certificate, and credential programs that provide training to meet competency standards.
The inventory must be posted on each agency's website with contact information for each
program. The postings must be updated periodically.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.246, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

A large employer must pay for at least deleted text begin 25deleted text end new text begin 50new text end percent of the
cost of training. For the purpose of this subdivision, a "large employer" means a business
with more than $25,000,000 in annual gross revenue in the previous calendar year.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.246, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

(a) The maximum grant for an application for the cost of
training is deleted text begin $150,000deleted text end new text begin $300,000new text end . The maximum grant for an application for trainee support
is ten percent of the grant amount for the cost of training. The maximum total grant per
application is deleted text begin $165,000deleted text end new text begin $330,000new text end . A grant may not exceed deleted text begin $6,000deleted text end new text begin $12,000new text end per year for a
maximum of deleted text begin $24,000deleted text end new text begin $48,000new text end per employee.

(b) An employee who is attending an eligible training provider that is an institution under
section 136A.103 must apply for Pell and state grants as a condition of payment for training
that employee under this section.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.65, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

(a) A school applying to be registered and to have its
degree or degrees and name approved must substantially meet the following criteria:

(1) the school has an organizational framework with administrative and teaching personnel
to provide the educational programs offered;

(2) the school has financial resources sufficient to meet the school's financial obligations,
including refunding tuition and other charges consistent with its stated policy if the institution
is dissolved, or if claims for refunds are made, to provide service to the students as promised,
and to provide educational programs leading to degrees as offered;

(3) the school operates in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
according to the type of school;

(4) the school provides an educational program leading to the degree it offers;

(5) the school provides appropriate and accessible library, laboratory, and other physical
facilities to support the educational program offered;

(6) the school has a policy on freedom or limitation of expression and inquiry for faculty
and students which is published or available on request;

(7) the school uses only publications and advertisements which are truthful and do not
give any false, fraudulent, deceptive, inaccurate, or misleading impressions about the school,
its personnel, programs, services, or occupational opportunities for its graduates for promotion
and student recruitment;

(8) the school's compensated recruiting agents who are operating in Minnesota identify
themselves as agents of the school when talking to or corresponding with students and
prospective students;

(9) the school provides information to students and prospective students concerning:

(i) comprehensive and accurate policies relating to student admission, evaluation,
suspension, and dismissal;

(ii) clear and accurate policies relating to granting credit for prior education, training,
and experience and for courses offered by the school;

(iii) current schedules of fees, charges for tuition, required supplies, student activities,
housing, and all other standard charges;

(iv) policies regarding refunds and adjustments for withdrawal or modification of
enrollment status; and

(v) procedures and standards used for selection of recipients and the terms of payment
and repayment for any financial aid program;

(10) the school must not withhold a student's official transcript because the student is
in arrears or in default on any loan issued by the school to the student if the loan qualifies
as an institutional loan under United States Code, title 11, section 523(a)(8)(b);

(11) the school has a process to receive and act on student complaints;

(12) new text begin if the school is unaccredited, new text end the school includes a joint and several liability provision
for torts and compliance with the requirements of sections 136A.61 to 136A.71 in any
contract effective after July 1, 2026, with any individual, entity, or postsecondary school
located in another state for the purpose of providing educational or training programs or
awarding postsecondary credits or continuing education credits to Minnesota residents that
may be applied to a degree program; and

(13) the school must not use nondisclosure agreements or other contracts restricting a
student's ability to disclose information in connection with school actions or conduct that
would be covered under section 136A.672.

(b) An application for degree approval must also include:

(i) title of degree and formal recognition awarded;

(ii) location where such degree will be offered;

(iii) proposed implementation date of the degree;

(iv) admissions requirements for the degree;

(v) length of the degree;

(vi) projected enrollment for a period of five years;

(vii) the curriculum required for the degree, including course syllabi or outlines;

(viii) statement of academic and administrative mechanisms planned for monitoring the
quality of the proposed degree;

(ix) statement of satisfaction of professional licensure criteria, if applicable;

(x) documentation of the availability of clinical, internship, externship, or practicum
sites, if applicable; and

(xi) statement of how the degree fulfills the institution's mission and goals, complements
existing degrees, and contributes to the school's viability.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.653, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

(a) A
postsecondary institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or its successor
with its primary physical location in Minnesota is exempt from the provisions of sections
136A.61 to 136A.71, including related fees, when it creates new or modifies existing:

(1) new text begin program degree levels, program degree types, new text end majors, minors, concentrations,
specializations, and areas of emphasis within approved degrees;

(2) nondegree programs deleted text begin within approved degreesdeleted text end ;

(3) underlying curriculum or courses;

(4) modes of delivery; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(5) locationsnew text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (6) course or term changes that do not impact the number of instructional hoursnew text end .

(b) The institution must annually notify the commissioner of the exempt actions listed
in paragraph (a) and, upon the commissioner's request, must provide additional information
about the action.

(d) Nothing in this subdivision exempts an institution from the annual registration and
degree approval requirements of sections 136A.61 to 136A.71.

new text begin (e) An institution exempt under this subdivision may advertise, recruit, and enroll students
while the program is evaluated for an exemption. In the event the program is determined
not to be exempt, the institution must submit the full review application to the office within
60 days of notification or cease advertisement, recruitment, and enrollment of students and
may be subject to the provisions of sections 136A.65, subdivision 8, 136A.705, and 136A.71.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.658, is amended to read:

(a) The office may participate in an interstate reciprocity agreement regarding
postsecondary distance education if it determines that participation is in the best interest of
Minnesota postsecondary students.

(b) If the office decides to participate in an interstate reciprocity agreement, an institution
that meets the following requirements is exempt from the provisions of sections 136A.61
to 136A.71:

(1) the institution is situated in a state which is also participating in the interstate
reciprocity agreement;

(2) the institution has been approved to participate in the interstate reciprocity agreement
by the institution's home state and other entities with oversight of the interstate reciprocity
agreement; and

(3) the institution has elected to participate in and operate in compliance with the terms
of the interstate reciprocity agreement.

(c) If the office participates in an interstate reciprocity agreement and the office is
responsible for the administration of that interstate reciprocity agreement, which may include
the approval of applications for membership of in-state institutions to participate in the
interstate reciprocity agreement, the office shall collect reasonable fees sufficient to recover,
but not exceed, its costs to administer the interstate reciprocity agreement. The office
processing fees for approving an in-state institution application shall be as follows:

(1) deleted text begin $750deleted text end new text begin $1,500new text end for institutions with deleted text begin fewer thandeleted text end 2,500new text begin or fewernew text end full-time new text begin equivalent
new text end enrollment;

(2) deleted text begin $3,000deleted text end new text begin $5,000new text end for institutions with 2,501 to deleted text begin 20,000deleted text end new text begin 12,500new text end full-time new text begin equivalent
new text end enrollment; and

(3) $7,500 for institutions with greater than deleted text begin 20,001deleted text end new text begin 12,500new text end full-time new text begin equivalent new text end enrollment.

Full-time new text begin equivalent new text end enrollment is established using the previous year's full-time new text begin equivalent
new text end enrollment as established in the United States Department of Education Integrated
Postsecondary Education Data System.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.69, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(a) The office shall collect reasonable registration fees
that are sufficient to recover, but do not exceed, its costs of administering the registration
program. The office shall charge the fees listed in paragraphs (b) to (d) for new registrations.

(b) A new school deleted text begin offering no more than one degree at each level during its first yeardeleted text end
must pay registration fees deleted text begin for each applicable leveldeleted text end new text begin based on the institution's total full-time
equivalent enrollmentnew text end in the following amounts:

deleted text begin associate degree deleted text end	deleted text begin $2,000 deleted text end
deleted text begin baccalaureate degree deleted text end	deleted text begin $2,500 deleted text end
deleted text begin master's degree deleted text end	deleted text begin $3,000 deleted text end
deleted text begin doctorate degree deleted text end	deleted text begin $3,500 deleted text end

new text begin (1) $5,000 for institutions with 2,500 or fewer full-time equivalent enrollment;
new text end

new text begin (2) $7,500 for institutions with 2,501 to 5,000 full-time equivalent enrollment;
new text end

new text begin (3) $10,000 for institutions with 5,001 to 7,500 full-time equivalent enrollment;
new text end

new text begin (4) $15,000 for institutions with 7,501 to 10,000 full-time equivalent enrollment; and
new text end

new text begin (5) $20,000 for institutions with 10,001 or greater full-time equivalent enrollment, and
for institutions with no data on the previous year's full-time equivalent enrollment.
new text end

new text begin Full-time equivalent enrollment is established using the previous year's full-time equivalent
enrollment as established in the United States Department of Education Integrated
Postsecondary Education Data System.
new text end

(c) A new school deleted text begin that will offer more than one degree per level during its first yeardeleted text end must
pay registration fees in an amount equal to the fee deleted text begin for the first degree at each degree leveldeleted text end
under paragraph (b), plus fees for each deleted text begin additionaldeleted text end nondegree program or degree as follows:

nondegree program	$250
deleted text begin additional associate degree deleted text end	deleted text begin $250 deleted text end
deleted text begin additional baccalaureate degree deleted text end	deleted text begin $500 deleted text end
deleted text begin additional master'sdeleted text end degreenew text begin program new text end	$750
deleted text begin additional doctorate degree deleted text end	deleted text begin $1,000 deleted text end

(d) In addition to the fees under paragraphs (b) and (c), a fee of $600 must be paid for
an initial application that: (1) has had four revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or
application reminders for the same application or registration requirement; or (2) cumulatively
has had six revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application reminders for the
same license application and the school seeks to continue with the application process with
additional application submissions. If this fee is paid, the school may submit two final
application submissions for review prior to application denial under section 136A.65,
subdivision 8. This provision excludes from its scope nonrepetitive questions or clarifications
initiated by the school before the submission of the application, initial interpretation questions
or inquiries from the office regarding a completed application, and initial requests from the
office for verification or validation of a completed application.

(e) The annual renewal registration fee is deleted text begin $1,500.deleted text end new text begin based on an institution's total full-time
equivalent enrollment in the following amounts:
new text end

new text begin (1) $1,500 for institutions with 2,500 or fewer full-time equivalent enrollment;
new text end

new text begin (2) $3,000 for institutions with 2,501 to 5,000 full-time equivalent enrollment;
new text end

new text begin (3) $5,000 for institutions with 5,001 to 10,000 full-time equivalent enrollment; and
new text end

new text begin (4) $7,500 for institutions with 10,001 or greater full-time equivalent enrollment, and
for institutions with no data on the previous year's full-time equivalent enrollment.
new text end

(f) In addition to the fee under paragraph (e), a fee of $600 must be paid for a renewal
application that: (1) has had four revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application
reminders for the same application or registration requirement; or (2) cumulatively has had
six revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application reminders for the same license
application and the school seeks to continue with the application process with additional
application submissions. If this fee is paid, the school may submit two final application
submissions for review prior to application denial under section 136A.65, subdivision 8.
This provision excludes from its scope nonrepetitive questions or clarifications initiated by
the school before the submission of the application, initial interpretation questions or inquiries
from the office regarding a completed application, and initial requests from the office for
verification or validation of a completed application.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.82, is amended to read:

new text begin The legislature has found and hereby declares that the availability
of legitimate vocational programs offered by responsible nonprofit and for-profit private
career schools are in the best interests of the people of this state. The legislature has found
and declares that the state can provide assistance and protection for persons choosing
vocational programs by establishing policies and procedures to ensure the authenticity and
legitimacy of vocational programs offered by nonprofit and for-profit private career schools.
The legislature has found and declares that this same policy applies to any nonprofit and
for-profit private career schools located in another state or country that offers or makes
available to a Minnesota resident any vocational program which does not require leaving
the state for its completion.
new text end

Sections 136A.82 to 136A.834 may be cited as the "Private Career
School Act."

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.821, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

"Person" means any individual, partnership, company, firm, society,
trust, association, or corporation or any combination thereof.new text begin Person does not extend to:
new text end

new text begin (1) a government body;
new text end

new text begin (2) a public school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, 13, and 17; or
new text end

new text begin (3) a nonpublic school, religious organization, or home school as defined in section
120A.22, subdivision 4.
new text end

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.821, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

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 2026
new text end

new text begin 2027
new text end

"Private career school" means a person who maintains
a physical presence for any program at less than an associate degree leveldeleted text begin ; is not registered
as a private institution under sections 136A.61 to 136A.71;deleted text end and is not specifically exempted
by section 136A.833.new text begin Private career school does not extend to:
new text end

new text begin (1) public postsecondary institutions with a physical presence in Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (2) postsecondary institutions registered under sections 136A.61 to 136A.71;
new text end

new text begin (3) postsecondary institutions exempt from registration under section 136A.653,
subdivisions 1b, 2, 3, and 3a; 136A.657; or 136A.658 due to the nature of the institution's
programs;
new text end

new text begin (4) schools exclusively engaged in training physically or mentally disabled persons;
new text end

new text begin (5) courses taught to students in an apprenticeship program registered by the United
States Department of Labor or Minnesota Department of Labor and taught by or required
by a trade union in which students are not responsible for tuition, fees, or any other charges,
regardless of payment or reimbursement method;
new text end

new text begin (6) programs contracted by persons or government agencies for the training of their own
employees for which no fee is charged to the employee, regardless of whether that fee is
reimbursed by the employer or a third party after the employee successfully completes the
training, except for institutions or programs required to obtain a limited license exclusively
to receive the dual training grant;
new text end

new text begin (7) schools with no physical presence in Minnesota engaged exclusively in offering
distance programs that are located in and approved by other states or jurisdictions if the
distance education program does not include internships, externships, field placements, or
clinical placements for residents of Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (8) schools licensed or approved by other state boards or agencies authorized under
Minnesota law to issue licenses for institutions or programs, except for institutions or
programs required to be licensed exclusively to participate in state financial aid or be listed
on the eligible training provider list, access WIOA funding, or receive the dual training
grant;
new text end

new text begin (9) review classes, courses, or programs intended to prepare students to sit for
undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or occupational licensing, certification, or entrance
examinations;
new text end

new text begin (10) classes, courses, or programs conducted by a bona fide trade, professional, or
fraternal organization, solely for that organization's membership and not available to the
public. In making the determination that the organization is bona fide, the office may request
the school provide three certified letters from persons that qualify as evaluators under section
136A.828, subdivision 3, paragraph (l), that the organization is recognized in Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (11) programs in the fine arts provided by organizations exempt from taxation under
section 290.05 and registered with the attorney general under chapter 309. For purposes of
this clause, "fine arts" means activities resulting in artistic creation or artistic performance
of works of the imagination which are engaged in for the primary purpose of creative
expression rather than commercial sale, vocational or career advancement, or employment;
or
new text end

new text begin (12) classes, courses, or programs intended to fulfill the continuing education
requirements for a bona fide licensure or certification in a profession that have been approved
by a legislatively or judicially established board or agency responsible for regulating the
practice of the profession or by an industry-specific certification entity and that are offered
exclusively to individuals with the professional licensure or certification.
new text end