Minnesota Session Laws - 2025, 1st Special Session

CHAPTER 5--S.F.No. 1

An act

relating to higher education; providing funding and policy-related changes for the Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Minnesota; creating and modifying certain scholarships, student aid programs, and grant programs; modifying program reporting requirements; modifying requirements for sexual misconduct grievance processes; requiring a standardized financial aid offer form; providing authority to the Office of Higher Education for treatment of certain appropriations; modifying requirements for licensing of nonpublic and out-of-state postsecondary institutions; requiring reports; appropriating money; canceling prior appropriations;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 135A.052, subdivision 1; 135A.15, subdivisions 1a, 2a; 135A.1582; 136A.01, by adding a subdivision; 136A.101, subdivision 5a; 136A.103; 136A.121, subdivisions 6, 7, 7a, 9, 13; 136A.1465, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 136A.155; 136A.162; 136A.1701, subdivision 4; 136A.1796; 136A.246, subdivision 1a; 136A.65, subdivision 4; 136A.653, subdivision 5; 136A.658; 136A.69, subdivision 1; 136A.82; 136A.821, subdivisions 4, 5, by adding subdivisions; 136A.822, subdivisions 3, 6, 8, 13; 136A.824, subdivisions 1, 2, 6, 7; 136A.833; 136A.834, subdivisions 1, 5; 136A.87; 136A.901, subdivision 1; 137.022, subdivisions 3, 4; 137.375; 151.37, subdivision 12; 474A.061, subdivision 2b; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 135A; 136A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 5.41, subdivision 2; 135A.137; 136A.057; 136A.1251, subdivision 5; 136A.1788; 136A.1789; 136A.1791, subdivisions 1, 2, 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; 136A.69, subdivisions 3, 5; 136A.824, subdivisions 3, 5; 136A.861, subdivision 7; 136A.91; Laws 2022, chapter 42, section 2, as amended; Minnesota Rules, part 4850.0014, subparts 1, 2.

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

ARTICLE 1

APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "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 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

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

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

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 323,789,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 324,008,000 new text end

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

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

new text begin 247,300,000 new text end

new text begin 247,300,000 new text end

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. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029. 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 two percent for fiscal year 2026, plus an additional two percent for fiscal year 2027. new text end

new text begin (c) The base for this appropriation is $238,467,000 in fiscal year 2028 and thereafter. new text end

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

new text begin 6,944,000 new text end

new text begin 6,944,000 new text end

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

new text begin 11,752,000 new text end

new text begin 11,752,000 new text end

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

new text begin 8,500,000 new text end

new text begin 8,500,000 new text end

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

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

new text begin 100,000 new text end

new text begin 100,000 new text end

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

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

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

new text begin 3,500,000 new text end

new text begin 3,500,000 new text end

new text begin The commissioner must contract with or employ at least one person with demonstrated competence in American Indian culture and residing in or near the city of Bemidji to assist students with the scholarships under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.126, and with other information about financial aid for which the students may be eligible. This appropriation includes funding to administer the Indian scholarship program. new text end

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

new text begin 3,150,000 new text end

new text begin 3,150,000 new text end

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

new text begin (b) A Tribal college must use grant funds received under this section to supplement, not supplant, any existing funding. Each eligible Tribal college may receive a grant in an amount no less than $1,000,000 and no more than $1,050,000, subject to available appropriations. new text end

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

new text begin 1,142,000 new text end

new text begin 1,142,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Information for Students and Parents new text end

new text begin 122,000 new text end

new text begin 122,000 new text end

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

new text begin 180,000 new text end

new text begin 180,000 new text end

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

new text begin 45,000 new text end

new text begin 45,000 new text end

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

new text begin 115,000 new text end

new text begin 115,000 new text end

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

new text begin 501,000 new text end

new text begin 501,000 new text end

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

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

new text begin 6,655,000 new text end

new text begin 6,708,000 new text end

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

new text begin 2,550,000 new text end

new text begin 2,550,000 new text end

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

new text begin 645,000 new text end

new text begin 645,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end new text begin Summer Academic Enrichment Program new text end

new text begin 250,000 new text end

new text begin 250,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 19. new text end new text begin Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator new text end

new text begin 150,000 new text end

new text begin 150,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 20. new text end new text begin Emergency Assistance for Postsecondary Students new text end

new text begin 550,000 new text end

new text begin 550,000 new text end

new text begin (a) For the Office of Higher Education to allocate to nonprofit private postsecondary institutions and Tribal colleges that are eligible under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.103, for emergency assistance grants to students. The commissioner must establish processes for soliciting applications from institutions, selecting applicants to receive an allocation, and determining the funding amount allocated and issue guidance regarding how institutions must award emergency assistance grants to students. new text end

new text begin (b) Postsecondary institutions must use the funding allocated to them under this subdivision to award emergency assistance grants directly to students to meet immediate needs that could interfere with the student completing the term or their program, including but not limited to emergency housing, food, and transportation. Institutions must minimize any negative impact on student financial aid resulting from the receipt of emergency money. new text end

new text begin (c) Money under this subdivision must not be distributed to selected applicants until the Office of Higher Education has approved their plans to award grants to students. new text end

new text begin (d) By February 1 each year, the commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education on emergency assistance grants awarded to students using the money appropriated in this subdivision. The report must detail: new text end

new text begin (1) how money was distributed among institutions; new text end

new text begin (2) the process by which students apply for emergency assistance grants and institutions make a determination about whether money will be awarded; new text end

new text begin (3) how many students received emergency assistance grants and the average award amount; new text end

new text begin (4) the most common student needs that grants were awarded to meet; and new text end

new text begin (5) the average length of time between grant application and disbursement to students. new text end

new text begin (e) At the end of each biennium, institutions must return any unused portion of the funding allocated to them under this subdivision to the Office of Higher Education. new text end

new text begin Subd. 21. new text end new text begin Grants to Student Teachers in Shortage Areas new text end

new text begin 250,000 new text end

new text begin 250,000 new text end

new text begin For grants to student teachers in shortage areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1275. new text end

new text begin Subd. 22. new text end new text begin Grants for Underrepresented Student Teachers new text end

new text begin 1,125,000 new text end

new text begin 1,125,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 23. new text end new text begin Grants to Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 24. new text end new text begin Loan Repayment Assistance Program new text end

new text begin 55,000 new text end

new text begin 55,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 25. new text end new text begin Hunger-Free Campus Grants new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

new text begin 200,000 new text end

new text begin (a) For the Office of Higher Education to award grants to nonprofit private postsecondary institutions and Tribal colleges registered with the Office of Higher Education under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.63, for hunger-free campus activities. The commissioner must establish a competitive grant program to distribute the money appropriated in this subdivision, which must: new text end

new text begin (1) have an application process and selection criteria established by the commissioner in collaboration with student associations representing eligible institutions; new text end

new text begin (2) provide a maximum annual grant award of $25,000 per institution; new text end

new text begin (3) give preference to applications from institutions with the highest number of federal Pell Grant eligible students enrolled; and new text end

new text begin (4) require grant recipients to match at least 50 percent of the amount awarded with either in-kind contributions or other resources. new text end

new text begin (b) Postsecondary institutions must use the grant money awarded to them under this subdivision to meet the following hunger-free campus requirements: new text end

new text begin (1) maintain an on-campus food pantry or partnership with a local food bank to provide regular, on-campus food distributions; new text end

new text begin (2) provide information to students on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and other programs that reduce food insecurity; new text end

new text begin (3) notify students in work-study employment of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits and provide information to those students about eligibility criteria and how to apply for benefits; new text end

new text begin (4) hold or participate in one hunger awareness event per academic year; new text end

new text begin (5) provide emergency assistance grants to students; and new text end

new text begin (6) establish a hunger task force that meets a minimum of three times per academic year and that includes at least two students currently enrolled at the institution. new text end

new text begin (c) By February 1 each year, the commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education on hunger-free campus activities performed using the money appropriated in this subdivision. The report must detail: new text end

new text begin (1) how money was distributed among institutions; new text end

new text begin (2) how hunger-free campus requirements were met at those institutions; and new text end

new text begin (3) how many students were served. new text end

new text begin Subd. 26. new text end new text begin Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants new text end

new text begin 8,416,000 new text end

new text begin 8,416,000 new text end

new text begin For grants to eligible students under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1241. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.01, subdivision 4, the commissioner may use no more than three percent of the appropriation to administer the grant program. new text end

new text begin Subd. 27. new text end new text begin Student-Parent Support Initiative new text end

new text begin 3,000,000 new text end

new text begin 3,000,000 new text end

new text begin For grants to support student parents under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1251. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.01, subdivision 4, the commissioner may use no more than $338,000 of the annual appropriation for administrative and promotional costs. new text end

new text begin Subd. 28. new text end new text begin Director of Tribal Relations new text end

new text begin 143,000 new text end

new text begin 143,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 29. new text end new text begin Direct Admissions Program new text end

new text begin 650,000 new text end

new text begin 650,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 30. new text end new text begin American Indian Scholars new text end

new text begin 8,500,000 new text end

new text begin 8,500,000 new text end

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

new text begin (b) $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 (c) $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

new text begin Subd. 31. new text end new text begin Inclusive Higher Education new text end

new text begin 250,000 new text end

new text begin 250,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 32. new text end new text begin Addiction Medicine Graduate Medical Education Fellowship new text end

new text begin 270,000 new text end

new text begin 270,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 33. new text end new text begin Unemployment Insurance Aid new text end

new text begin 158,000 new text end

new text begin 158,000 new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 34. new text end new text begin North Star Promise; Administrative Costs new text end

new text begin 202,000 new text end

new text begin 202,000 new text end

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

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

new text begin 6,219,000 new text end

new text begin 6,385,000 new text end

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

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

new text begin Subd. 37. new text end new text begin Transfer Authority new text end

new text begin The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education may transfer unencumbered balances from the appropriations in this section to the state grant appropriation, the interstate tuition reciprocity appropriation, the child care grant appropriation, the Indian scholarship appropriation, the state work-study appropriation, the get ready appropriation, the intervention for college attendance appropriation, the student-parent information appropriation, the summer academic enrichment program appropriation, the 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 the 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

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

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

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 879,039,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 878,550,000 new text end

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

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

new text begin 36,401,000 new text end

new text begin 36,401,000 new text end

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

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

new text begin 830,873,000 new text end

new text begin 830,384,000 new text end

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

new text begin (c) $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 (d) $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 (e) $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 (f) $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 (g) $282,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $282,000 in fiscal year 2027 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) $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 (i) $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative at 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 (j) $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 is to address contamination of PFAS, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 116.943, arising from or associated with the use of firefighting foam at the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center (ERTC) prior to January 1, 2015. Money may be used to conduct environmental investigation and response activities, including ERTC program accommodations, and reimburse past expenses incurred for these activities. This is a onetime appropriation. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Direct Student Support new text end

new text begin 7,350,000 new text end

new text begin 7,350,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $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. The board may use up to five percent of this appropriation to administer the programs. Of the amount appropriated, $500,000 in fiscal year 2027 only is for the law enforcement grant pilot program under article 2, section 61. new text end

new text begin (b) $2,250,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,250,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for emergency assistance grants to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities students. The Board of Trustees must: new text end

new text begin (1) award emergency assistance grants directly to students to meet immediate needs that could interfere with the student completing the term or their program, including but not limited to emergency housing, food, and transportation; new text end

new text begin (2) minimize any negative impact on student financial aid resulting from the receipt of emergency money; and new text end

new text begin (3) by February 1 of each year, submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education on emergency assistance grants awarded to students using the money appropriated in this paragraph. The report must detail: new text end

new text begin (i) how money was distributed among institutions; new text end

new text begin (ii) the process by which students apply for emergency assistance grants and institutions make a determination about whether money will be awarded; new text end

new text begin (iii) how many students received emergency assistance grants and the average award amount; new text end

new text begin (iv) the most common student needs that grants were awarded to meet; and new text end

new text begin (v) the average length of time between grant application and disbursement to students. new text end

new text begin (c) $600,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $600,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for hunger-free campus activities. The Board of Trustees must: new text end

new text begin (1) meet the following hunger-free campus requirements on Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses: new text end

new text begin (i) maintain an on-campus food pantry or partnership with a local food bank to provide regular, on-campus food distributions; new text end

new text begin (ii) provide information to students on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and other programs that reduce food insecurity; new text end

new text begin (iii) notify students in work-study employment of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits and provide information to those students about eligibility criteria and how to apply for benefits; new text end

new text begin (iv) hold or participate in one hunger awareness event per academic year; new text end

new text begin (v) provide emergency assistance grants to students; and new text end

new text begin (vi) establish a hunger task force that meets a minimum of three times per academic year and that includes at least two students currently enrolled at the institution; new text end

new text begin (2) match at least 50 percent of the amount appropriated in this paragraph with either in-kind contributions or other resources; and new text end

new text begin (3) by February 1 each year, submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education on hunger-free campus activities performed using the money appropriated in this paragraph. The report must detail: new text end

new text begin (i) how money was distributed among institutions; new text end

new text begin (ii) how hunger-free campus requirements were met at those institutions; and new text end

new text begin (iii) how many students were served. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Cook County Higher Education Board new text end

new text begin 300,000 new text end

new text begin 300,000 new text end

new text begin For a grant 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 Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Learning Network of Minnesota new text end

new text begin 4,115,000 new text end

new text begin 4,115,000 new text end

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

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

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 754,770,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 739,508,000 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 752,613,000 new text end	new text begin 737,351,000 new text end
new text begin Health Care Access new text end	new text begin 2,157,000 new text end	new text begin 2,157,000 new text end

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

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

new text begin 644,018,000 new text end

new text begin 644,018,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Special Appropriations; Research and Innovation new text end

new text begin 42,554,000 new text end

new text begin 27,292,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $12,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $12,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for Medical Discovery Teams on Addiction, the Biology of Aging, Optical Imaging and Brain Science, Rural and American Indian Health Disparities, Incretin Mimetics, and other critical, complex health issues. new text end

new text begin (b) $2,150,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,150,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. new text end

new text begin (c) The Board of Regents may transfer unencumbered balances between the appropriations for the Medical Discovery Teams and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute as needed. new text end

new text begin (d) $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network. new text end

new text begin (e) $2,465,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,465,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for health sciences research at the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs and the School of Public Health. new text end

new text begin (f) $4,350,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $4,350,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for competitive grants for regenerative medicine research and commercialization. new text end

new text begin (g) $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 chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education that identifies how the collaborative partnership used the money appropriated in this paragraph. The report must be filed according to Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195. new text end

new text begin (h) $77,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $77,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for biomedical engineering. new text end

new text begin (i) $2,250,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,250,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Cannabis Research Center in the School of Public Health. The center must investigate the health effects of cannabis use and research other topics related to cannabis, including but not limited to prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, equity issues, education, and decriminalization. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Special Appropriations; Medical Training and Care new text end

new text begin 12,946,000 new text end

new text begin 12,946,000 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 10,789,000 new text end	new text begin 10,789,000 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 (a) $1,043,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,043,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) and Metropolitan Physician Associate Program (MetroPAP). new text end

new text begin (b) $6,247,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $6,247,000 in fiscal year 2027 are to support faculty physicians teaching at eight clinical residency program sites, including medical resident and student training programs in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. new text end

new text begin (c) $346,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $346,000 in fiscal year 2027 are to support up to 12 resident physicians in the St. Cloud Hospital family medicine residency program, which must prepare doctors to practice primary care medicine in rural areas of Minnesota. new text end

new text begin (d) $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 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 (e) $993,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $993,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Mobile Dental Clinic. new text end

new text begin (f) $2,157,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,157,000 in fiscal year 2027 are from the health care access fund for primary care education initiatives. new text end

new text begin (g) $660,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $660,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for geriatrics education. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Special Appropriations; Social Sciences new text end

new text begin 1,802,000 new text end

new text begin 1,802,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $985,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $985,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. new text end

new text begin (b) $39,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $39,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Minnesota Duluth. new text end

new text begin (c) $778,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $778,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for industrial relations education at the Carlson School of Management. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Special Appropriations; Natural Resources Management and Education new text end

new text begin 50,995,000 new text end

new text begin 50,995,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $27,086,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $27,086,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. new text end

new text begin (b) $15,836,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $15,836,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the University of Minnesota Extension. new text end

new text begin (c) The amounts appropriated in paragraphs (a) and (b) must be used for the following: new text end

new text begin (1) the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station and University of Minnesota Extension 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 Resource 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 paragraphs (a) and (b). new text end

new text begin (d) $4,414,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $4,414,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Natural Resources Research Institute. new text end

new text begin (e) $1,673,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,673,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. new text end

new text begin (f) $846,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $846,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Minnesota Geological Survey. new text end

new text begin (g) $140,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $140,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Bell Museum. new text end

new text begin (h) $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for a University of Minnesota Extension program 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 money appropriated in this paragraph must be used to support existing Extension 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 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 Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Special Appropriations; Campus Management and Student Support new text end

new text begin 2,455,000 new text end

new text begin 2,455,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for campus safety and security measures. new text end

new text begin (b) $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 (c) $110,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $110,000 in fiscal year 2027 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 (d) $779,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $779,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for emergency assistance grants to University of Minnesota students. The Board of Regents must: new text end

new text begin (1) award emergency assistance grants directly to students to meet immediate needs that could interfere with the student completing the term or their program, including but not limited to emergency housing, food, and transportation; new text end

new text begin (2) minimize any negative impact on student financial aid resulting from the receipt of emergency money; and new text end

new text begin (3) by February 1 each year, submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education on emergency assistance grants awarded to students using the money appropriated in this paragraph. The report must detail: new text end

new text begin (i) how money was distributed among institutions; new text end

new text begin (ii) the process by which students apply for emergency assistance grants and institutions make a determination about whether money will be awarded; new text end

new text begin (iii) how many students received emergency assistance grants and the average award amount; new text end

new text begin (iv) the most common student needs that grants were awarded to meet; and new text end

new text begin (v) the average length of time between grant application and disbursement to students. new text end

new text begin (e) $200,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for hunger-free campus activities. The Board of Regents must: new text end

new text begin (1) meet the following hunger-free campus requirements on University of Minnesota campuses: new text end

new text begin (i) maintain an on-campus food pantry or partnership with a local food bank to provide regular, on-campus food distributions; new text end

new text begin (ii) provide information to students on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and other programs that reduce food insecurity; new text end

new text begin (iii) notify students in work-study employment of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits and provide information to those students about eligibility criteria and how to apply for benefits; new text end

new text begin (iv) hold or participate in one hunger awareness event per academic year; new text end

new text begin (v) provide emergency assistance grants to students; and new text end

new text begin (vi) establish a hunger task force that meets a minimum of three times per academic year and that includes at least two students currently enrolled at the institution; new text end

new text begin (2) match at least 50 percent of the amount appropriated in this paragraph with either in-kind contributions or other resources; and new text end

new text begin (3) by February 1 of each year, submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education on hunger-free campus activities performed using the money appropriated in this paragraph. The report must detail: new text end

new text begin (i) how funding was distributed among institutions; new text end

new text begin (ii) how hunger-free campus requirements were met at those institutions; and new text end

new text begin (iii) how many students were served. new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin TRANSFERS. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget, must transfer $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2027 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 of the Office of Higher Education may use up to ten percent of the amounts transferred under this paragraph to administer the program. The commissioner of management and budget must include a transfer of $2,500,000 each year from the general fund to the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury grant account in the special revenue fund in each forecast prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103, from the effective date of this section through the February 2027 forecast. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget, must transfer $3,132,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $3,132,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the dual training account in the special revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.246, subdivision 10. The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education may use up to five percent of the amounts transferred under this paragraph to administer the program. Of the amounts transferred under this paragraph, $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. The commissioner of management and budget must include a transfer of $3,132,000 each year from the general fund to the dual training account in the special revenue fund in each forecast prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103, from the effective date of this section through the February 2027 forecast. new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget, must transfer $325,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $325,000 in fiscal year 2027 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. 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 in each forecast prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103, from the effective date of this section through the February 2027 forecast. new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget, must transfer $45,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $45,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the agricultural education loan forgiveness account in the special revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1794, subdivision 2. 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 in each forecast prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103, from the effective date of this section through the February 2027 forecast. new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget, must transfer $750,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $750,000 in fiscal year 2027 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 of the Office of Higher Education may use up to five percent of the amounts transferred under this paragraph to administer the program. 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 in each forecast prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103, from the effective date of this section through the February 2027 forecast. new text end

new text begin (f) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget, must transfer $49,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $49,500,000 in fiscal year 2027 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. 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 in each forecast prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103, from the effective date of this section through the February 2027 forecast. new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin CANCELLATIONS. new text end

new text begin (a) The $500,000 fiscal year 2025 appropriation from the general fund for the Kids on Campus initiative under Laws 2024, chapter 124, article 1, section 6, is canceled. new text end

new text begin (b) 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

ARTICLE 2

HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY

Section 1.

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

Subdivision 1.

Statement of missions.

(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.

Sec. 2.

new text begin [135A.1367] OPIATE ANTAGONIST. new text end

new text begin (a) The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must, and the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is requested to: new text end

new text begin (1) maintain a supply of opiate antagonists, as defined in section 604A.04, subdivision 1, at each campus site to be administered in compliance with section 151.37, subdivision 12; and new text end

new text begin (2) have at least two doses of a nasal opiate antagonist available on site at each campus residential building. new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of health shall identify resources, including at least one training video, to help postsecondary institutions implement an opiate antagonist emergency response and make the resources available for institutions. new text end

new text begin (c) The Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents may adopt a model plan for use, storage, and administration of opiate antagonists on system campuses. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 135A.15, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Advisor" means a person who is selected by a responding or reporting party to serve as a support during a campus investigation and disciplinary process. This person may be an attorney. An advisor serves as a support to a party by offering comfort or attending meetings.

(c) "Domestic violence" has the meaning given in section 518B.01, subdivision 2.

(d) "Incident" means one report of sexual misconduct to a postsecondary institution, regardless of the number of complainants included in the report, the number of respondents included in the report, and whether or not the identity of any party is known by the reporting postsecondary institution. Incident encompasses all nonconsensual events included within one report if multiple events have been identified.

(e) "Intimate partner violence" means any physical or sexual harm or a pattern of any other coercive behavior committed, enabled, or solicited to gain or maintain power and control over a victim, including verbal, psychological, economic, or technological abuse that may or may not constitute criminal behavior against an individual, that may be classified as a sexual misconduct, dating violence, or domestic violence caused by:

(1) a current or former spouse of the individual; or

(2) a person in a sexual or romantic relationship with the individual.

(f) "Nonconsensual dissemination of sexual images" has the meaning given in section 617.261.

(g) "Reporting party" means the party in a disciplinary proceeding who has reported being subjected to conduct or communication that could constitute sexual misconduct.

(h) "Responding party" means the party in a disciplinary proceeding who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct or communication that could constitute sexual misconduct.

(i) new text begin "Retaliation" means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against a reporting party, responding party, or witness for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege or because the person has reported information, made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this section, including in nondisciplinary restorative justice services. new text end

new text begin (j) new text end "Sexual assault" means rape, sex offenses - fondling, sex offenses - incest, or sex offenses - statutory rape as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, part 668, subpart D, appendix A, as amended.

deleted text begin (j) deleted text end new text begin (k) new text end "Sexual extortion" has the meaning given in section 609.3458.

deleted text begin (k) deleted text end new text begin (l) new text end "Sex trafficking" has the meaning given in section 609.321, subdivision 7a.

deleted text begin (l) deleted text end new text begin (m) new text end "Sexual harassment" has the meaning given in section 363A.03, subdivision 43.

deleted text begin (m) deleted text end new text begin (n) new text end "Sexual misconduct" means an incident of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, nonconsensual distribution of sexual images, sexual extortion, nonconsensual dissemination of a deepfake depicting intimate parts or sexual acts, sex trafficking, or stalking.

deleted text begin (n) deleted text end new text begin (o) new text end "Stalking" has the meaning given in section 609.749.

Sec. 4.

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

Subd. 2a.

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

(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. new text begin Remedial action may include any or all of the following: (1) disciplinary action against the responding party; (2) with the consent of the parties, alternative resolution options; and (3) academic or residential supportive measures, as requested by the reporting party. new text end

(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) A postsecondary institution must allow the reporting and responding parties to present and review relevant testimony by parties and witnesses and relevant evidence 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 postsecondary deleted text end new text begin an new 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) If a postsecondary institution conducts a hearing, an advisor may provide opening and closing remarks on behalf of a party or assist with formulating questions to the other party or witnesses about related evidence or credibility. deleted text end

new text begin (e) A postsecondary institution must provide due process protections before imposing disciplinary action against a responding party who is a student. The responding party must be informed in writing of the allegations with sufficient details related to the allegations, including the alleged misconduct; the identity of the reporting party; and to the extent possible, the date, time, and location of the alleged sexual misconduct. The responding party must be provided with the campus code of conduct guidelines listing possible sanctions. new text end

new text begin (f) In any grievance process arising from an alleged incident of sexual misconduct against a student, a postsecondary institution must apply, at a minimum, a preponderance of the evidence standard of proof. new text end

new text begin (g) 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 (h) 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 (l). new text end

new text begin (i) 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 (j) A postsecondary institution must hold a hearing related to disciplinary action under this section if requested by either the reporting or responding party. new text end

new text begin (k) If a postsecondary institution conducts a hearing, the institution must provide the reporting and responding parties with equal opportunity to provide testimony without encountering the other party in person, and to review testimony provided by the other party in a similar manner. This may be done through video conference or closed-circuit television. new text end

new text begin (l) 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 (m) If the facts and circumstances rise to a policy violation, an institution must proceed with the campus sexual misconduct grievance process, if requested by the reporting party, concurrently with a criminal investigation, except that a postsecondary institution may temporarily delay a campus proceeding if requested by law enforcement and if the campus proceeding may impede a criminal investigation. new text end

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

new text begin (r) 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 (s) 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 EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 5.

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

135A.1582 PROTECTIONS FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS.

Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Definition deleted text end new text begin Definitions new text end .

(a) For deleted text begin the purpose deleted text end new text begin purposes new text end of this section, the following deleted text begin term has deleted text end new text begin terms have new text end the deleted text begin meaning deleted text end new text begin meanings new 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

Subd. 2.

Rights and protections.

(a) A deleted text begin Minnesota state college or university deleted text end new text begin postsecondary institution new 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 university deleted text end new text begin postsecondary institution new 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 university deleted text end new text begin postsecondary institution new 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 university deleted text end new text begin postsecondary institution new 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 university deleted text end new text begin postsecondary institution new 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 university deleted text end new text begin institution new 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.

Subd. 3.

Policy on discrimination.

Each deleted text begin Minnesota state college or university deleted text end new text begin postsecondary institution new 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.

Subd. 4.

Administration.

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 and deleted 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.

Sec. 6.

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

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Treatment of appropriations. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding section 16B.98, subdivision 14, unless amounts are otherwise appropriated for administrative costs, the office may retain up to five percent of the amount appropriated to the agency for grants enacted by the legislature and formula grants, and up to ten percent for competitively awarded grants. new text end

Sec. 7.

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

new text begin (a) The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education shall 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 136A.1251, 136A.1789, 136A.1791, 136A.1794, 136A.1795, and 136A.861 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 136A.1251, 136A.1789, 136A.1791, 136A.1794, 136A.1795, and 136A.861 as evidenced by activities funded under each program. new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [136A.0901] STANDARD FINANCIAL AID OFFER FORM FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Citation. new text end

new text begin Sections 136A.0901 to 136A.0905 may be cited as the "College Financing Literacy Act." new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Standard format and terminology. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must develop standard terminology and financial aid offer forms. The commissioner may develop separate financial aid offer forms for: new text end

new text begin (1) undergraduate students; new text end

new text begin (2) graduate students; new text end

new text begin (3) first-time students; and new text end

new text begin (4) returning students. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Consultation with stakeholders. new text end

new text begin In developing the financial aid offer form, the commissioner must consult with and consider the recommendations of stakeholders, including the student loan advocate in the Department of Commerce, representatives of students, institutions of higher education, financial aid administrators and counselors, school counselors, and any other relevant stakeholders as determined by the commissioner. The commissioner must begin consulting with and soliciting recommendations from stakeholders by September 1, 2025. By September 1, 2026, the commissioner must publish on the department's website a draft of the form created under subdivision 2 and solicit feedback from stakeholders regarding the form. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Final form. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must publish on the department's website the final financial aid offer form with sufficient time for institutions to implement use of the form for the 2028-2029 academic year. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Authority to modify. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may update and modify the definitions, terms, formatting, and design of the financial aid offer form based on changes in laws, in process, or for purposes of clarity. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Use of standard financial aid offer forms and terms. new text end

new text begin Beginning with the 2028-2029 academic year, institutions of higher education that receive state grant aid must: new text end

new text begin (1) use the financial aid offer form developed under this section in providing official and unofficial offers, including paper, mobile-optimized, or other electronic offers to all students who are accepted at the institution and apply for aid; and new text end

new text begin (2) use the standard terminology and definitions developed by the commissioner for all communications from the institution related to financial aid offers. new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [136A.0902] REQUIRED CONTENTS FOR FINANCIAL AID OFFER FORM. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin General. new text end

new text begin The financial aid offer form developed under section 136A.0901 must be a form titled "Financial Aid Offer" which includes the required information under this section with costs listed first, followed by grants and scholarships clearly separated with separate headings, and the additional information under section 136A.0903 included last. The form must be in a consumer-friendly format that is simple to understand and must allow for each institution to customize the form with the institution's own logo, branding, or other identifiers. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Cost information. new text end

new text begin The financial aid offer form must contain information on the student's estimated cost of attendance including: new text end

new text begin (1) total direct costs, including the totals for estimated tuition and fees charged by an institution, including differential tuition if applicable, college or university-sponsored housing, and food costs; new text end

new text begin (2) total estimated other expenses, including estimated housing and food costs for students who reside off-campus, and for all students, costs for books, materials, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses; new text end

new text begin (3) the academic period covered by the financial aid offer and an explanation that the financial aid offered may change for academic periods not covered by the aid offer or by program; new text end

new text begin (4) whether cost and aid estimates are based on full-time or part-time enrollment; new text end

new text begin (5) whether tuition and fees cover a set range of credits or are per credit hour; and new text end

new text begin (6) whether the tuition and fees are estimated based on the previous year or are set for the academic period indicated in accordance with clause (3). new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grants and scholarships. new text end

new text begin The financial aid offer form must include the aggregate amount of grants and scholarships itemized by source and type that the student does not have to repay, including grant aid: new text end

new text begin (1) offered under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, United States Code, title 20, section 1070, et seq.; new text end

new text begin (2) offered through other federal programs; new text end

new text begin (3) offered by the institution; new text end

new text begin (4) offered by the state; and new text end

new text begin (5) from an outside source to the student for the academic period, if known, including a disclosure that the grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid. If institutional aid is included, the form must also note: new text end

new text begin (i) the conditions under which the student can expect to receive similar amounts of financial aid for each academic period the student is enrolled at the institution; and new text end

new text begin (ii) whether the institutional aid offer may change if grants or scholarships from outside sources are applied after the student receives the financial aid offer form and how the institutional aid will change, if applicable. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Net price. new text end

new text begin The financial aid offer form must include: new text end

new text begin (1) the estimated net price that the student, or the student's family on behalf of the student, is estimated to have to pay for the student to attend the institution for the academic period, equal to the cost of attendance as described in subdivision 2, clauses (1) and (2), for the student for the period indicated in subdivision 2, clause (3), minus the amount of grant and scholarship aid described in subdivision 3 that is included in the financial aid offer form; and new text end

new text begin (2) a disclosure that the estimated net price is an estimate of the total expenses for the year and not equivalent to the amount the student will owe directly to the institution. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Loans. new text end

new text begin (a) The financial aid offer form must include: new text end

new text begin (1) information on loans that are available to the student under part D or E of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, United States Code, title 20, sections 1087a, et seq., and 1087aa, et seq., except a Federal Direct PLUS Loan under part D of that act; new text end

new text begin (2) information on other loans under this chapter for the academic period covered by the offer; new text end

new text begin (3) a disclosure that the loans have to be repaid and a disclosure that the student can borrow a lesser or, if applicable, greater amount than the recommended loan amount; new text end

new text begin (4) a disclosure that the interest rates and fees on the loans are set annually and affect total cost over time and a link to the Department of Education's and the Office of Higher Education's websites that includes current information on interest rates and fees; and new text end

new text begin (5) a link to the Department of Education's repayment calculator website for students with instruction that the website contains customizable estimates of expected repayment costs under different loan repayment plans. new text end

new text begin (b) The offer must clearly use the word "loan" to describe the recommended loan amounts and must clearly label subsidized and unsubsidized loans with a plain language explanation of the difference between the two. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Supplemental information on cost of attendance. new text end

new text begin The financial aid offer form must contain information on how a student may request an adjustment to increase the cost of attendance to accommodate the student's special circumstances or higher costs of housing, food, or other eligible expenses. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Supplemental information for students with dependents. new text end

new text begin The financial aid offer form must contain information on resources available to students with dependents including: new text end

new text begin (1) the dependent care allowance, including a disclosure that a student with a dependent child in paid child care may request a dependent care allowance as part of the student's financial aid calculation, which may result in a higher grant or loan amount; and new text end

new text begin (2) information on the Minnesota child care grant program provided in section 136A.125 and instructions on how to apply. new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Process for accepting or declining aid. new text end

new text begin The financial aid offer form must include: new text end

new text begin (1) deadlines and a summary of the process for accepting the financial aid offered in the financial aid offer form, requesting higher loan amounts if recommended loan amounts were included, and declining aid offered in the form; new text end

new text begin (2) information on when and how direct costs to the institution must be paid, including information on payment plans if available; new text end

new text begin (3) a disclosure that verification of financial circumstances may require the student to submit further documentation; and new text end

new text begin (4) information about where a student or the student's family can seek additional information regarding the financial aid offered, including contact information for the institution's financial aid office, the Department of Education's website on financial aid, and the Office of Higher Education's website. new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [136A.0903] ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL AID OFFER FORM. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Repayment resources; private student loans; work study. new text end

new text begin In addition to the information described in section 136A.0902, the financial aid offer form must, in a concise format determined by the commissioner, include: new text end

new text begin (1) at the institution's discretion, additional options and potential resources for paying the amount listed in section 136A.0902, subdivision 4, such as tuition payment plans; new text end

new text begin (2) the following information relating to private student loans: new text end

new text begin (i) a statement that students considering borrowing to cover the cost of attendance should consider available federal and state student loans prior to applying for private student loans, including an explanation that federal and state student loans offer generally more favorable terms and beneficial repayment options than private student loans; new text end

new text begin (ii) the impact of a proposed private student loan on the student's potential eligibility for other financial assistance, including federal financial assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, United States Code, title 20, section 1070, et seq.; and new text end

new text begin (iii) a statement explaining the student's ability to select a private educational lender of the student's choice; and new text end

new text begin (3) information on work-study employment opportunities under section 136A.233, and work-study offered in accordance with part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, United States Code, title 20, section 1087-51, et seq., including a disclosure that the work-study aid offered is subject to the availability of qualified employment opportunities and is disbursed over time as earned by the student. Work-study employment opportunities must not be included in the category of financial aid described under section 136A.0902, subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Additional requirements. new text end

new text begin The financial aid offer form must meet the requirements of this section and section 136A.0902 by: new text end

new text begin (1) including, in addition to the requirements described in subdivision 1 and section 136A.0902, a concise summary in plain language of: new text end

new text begin (i) the terms and conditions of financial aid under subdivision 1, clause (3), and section 136A.0902, subdivisions 3 and 5, and a method to provide students with additional information about the terms and conditions, such as links to the supplementary information; and new text end

new text begin (ii) federal, state, or institutional conditions required to receive and renew financial aid and a method to provide students with additional information about these conditions, such as links to the supplementary information; new text end

new text begin (2) clearly distinguishing between aid offered under subdivision 1, clause (3), and section 136A.0902, subdivisions 3 and 5, by including a subtotal for the aid offered and by refraining from commingling the different types of aid described; new text end

new text begin (3) using standard terminology and definitions, as determined by the commissioner, and using plain language where possible; new text end

new text begin (4) providing additional information on federal student loans, including the types and amounts for which the student is eligible in an attached document or web page, if an institution's recommended federal student loan aid offered under section 136A.0902, subdivision 5, is less than the federal maximum available to the student; new text end

new text begin (5) including a delivery confirmation for electronic financial aid offer forms, except that receipt of the financial aid offer form shall not be considered an acceptance or rejection of aid by the student; and new text end

new text begin (6) accompanying any reference to private education loans, with respect to dependent students, with: new text end

new text begin (i) information about the availability of and terms and conditions associated with Federal Direct PLUS Loans under section 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, United States Code, title 20, section 1087e, for the student's parents regardless of family income; and new text end

new text begin (ii) a notification of the student's increased eligibility for unsubsidized federal student loans under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, United States Code, title 20, section 1070, et seq., if the student's parents are rejected under the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program. new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin [136A.0904] SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION; REMOVAL OF INFORMATION. new text end

new text begin (a) Nothing in sections 136A.0901 to 136A.0903 precludes an institution from supplementing the financial aid offer form with additional information if the additional information supplements the financial aid offer form and is not located on the financial aid offer form and if the information utilizes the same standard terminology developed by the commissioner under this act. new text end

new text begin (b) Nothing in sections 136A.0901 to 136A.0903 precludes an institution from omitting a required item in an individual offer form if that item is inapplicable to the student receiving the offer. new text end

Sec. 12.

new text begin [136A.0905] SUPERSEDING FEDERAL LAW. new text end

new text begin Sections 136A.0901 to 136A.0904 are null and void upon the effective date of a federal law or regulation establishing a uniform financial aid offer form and requiring institutions of higher education to adopt it. new text end

Sec. 13.

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

Subd. 5a.

Assigned family responsibility.

"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 deleted text begin 79 deleted text end new text begin 95 new text end percent of the parental contribution. If the parental contribution is deleted text begin less than deleted text end new text begin between new text end $0 new text begin and negative $1,500 new text end , the assigned family responsibility is deleted text begin 100 deleted text end new text begin 50 new text end percent of the parental contribution. new text begin If the parental contribution is less than negative $1,500, the recognized parental contribution is negative $1,500. new 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. If the student contribution is deleted text begin less than deleted text end new text begin between new text end $0 new text begin and negative $1,500 new text end , the assigned family responsibility is deleted text begin 100 deleted text end new text begin 50 new text end percent of the student contribution. new text begin If the student contribution is less than negative $1,500, the recognized student contribution is negative $1,500. 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.

Sec. 14.

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

136A.103 INSTITUTION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Eligibility. new text end

(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 under new text begin this new text end chapter deleted text begin 136A deleted 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 and deleted 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 an deleted text end new text begin the new text end institution new 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 did deleted text end new text begin but does new 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) An deleted text end new text begin (iii) the new text end institution deleted text begin that deleted 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 office deleted 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 amended new text end .

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end An deleted text begin eligible deleted 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 eligibility deleted text end new text begin remains eligible for state student aid for six months following the change in ownership new 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 Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Ineligibility. new text end

new text begin A postsecondary institution otherwise eligible for state student aid under this chapter and sections 197.791 and 299A.45 may be determined by the office to be 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 been new 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.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.121, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Cost of attendance.

(a) The recognized cost of attendance consists of: (1) an allowance specified in law for living and miscellaneous expenses, and (2) an allowance for tuition and fees equal to the lesser of the average tuition and fees charged by the institution, or a tuition and fee maximum if one is established in law. If no living and miscellaneous expense allowance is established in law, the allowance is equal to deleted text begin 115 deleted text end new text begin 106 new text end percent of the federal poverty guidelines for a one person household in Minnesota for nine months. If no tuition and fee maximum is established in law, the allowance for tuition and fees is equal to the lesser of: (1) the average tuition and fees charged by the institution, and (2) for two-year programs, an amount equal to the highest tuition and fees charged at a public two-year institution, or for four-year programs, an amount equal to the highest tuition and fees charged at a public university.

(b) For a student registering for less than full time, the office shall prorate the cost of attendance using the ratio of the number of credits the student is enrolled in to the number of credits for full-time enrollment.

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

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

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.121, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Insufficient appropriation.

new text begin (a) new text end If the amount appropriated is determined by the office to be insufficient to make full awards to applicants under subdivision 5, awards must be reduced by:

(1) adding a surcharge to the applicant's assigned family responsibility, as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 5a; and

(2) a percentage increase in the applicant's assigned student responsibility, as defined in subdivision 5.

new text begin (b) new text end The reduction under new text begin paragraph (a), new text end clauses (1) and (2) new text begin , new text end must be equal dollar amounts. new text begin The total assigned family responsibility after the addition of the surcharge may exceed 100 percent of the parental or student contribution, as applicable, assigned by the federal needs analysis. The commissioner must not adjust the surcharge under paragraph (a), clause (1), according to the student's status as a dependent student, an independent student with dependents other than a spouse, or an independent student without dependents other than a spouse. new text end

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.121, subdivision 7a, is amended to read:

Subd. 7a.

Surplus appropriation.

new text begin (a) new text end If the amount appropriated is determined by the office to be more than sufficient to fund projected grant demand in the second year of the biennium, the office may new text begin : new text end

new text begin (1) new text end increase the living and miscellaneous expense allowance in the second year of the biennium by up to an amount that retains sufficient appropriations to fund the projected grant demand new text begin ; or new text end

new text begin (2) when calculating assigned family responsibility, recognize a negative parental contribution or student contribution that is less than negative $1,500 to a value that is equal to the lowest student contribution provided under the federal needs analysis new text end .

new text begin (b) new text end The deleted text begin adjustment deleted text end new text begin adjustments in paragraph (a) new text end may be made one or more times. In making the determination that there are more than sufficient funds, the office shall balance the need for sufficient resources to meet the projected demand for grants with the goal of fully allocating the appropriation for state grants. An increase in the living and miscellaneous expense allowance new text begin or a modified assigned family responsibility new text end under this subdivision does not carry forward into a subsequent biennium.

Sec. 18.

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

Subd. 9.

Awards.

An undergraduate student who meets the office's requirements is eligible to apply for and receive a grant in any year of undergraduate study unless the student has obtained a baccalaureate degree or previously has received a state grant award for deleted text begin 180 deleted text end new text begin 120 new 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.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.121, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Deadline.

The deadline for the office to accept applications for state grants for a term is deleted text begin June 30 of the fiscal year for which the student applies for a grant deleted text end new text begin 30 days after the start of that term new text end .

Sec. 20.

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

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

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 actual deleted text end new text begin eligible resident new text end tuition and mandatory fees charged by an institution.

Sec. 21.

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

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Resident tuition. new text end

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 the 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

Sec. 22.

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

Subd. 2.

Conditions for eligibility.

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 new text begin by 30 days after the start of the term for which a scholarship is being awarded new text end ;

(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 a deleted text end new text begin completed the degree requirements for the first new 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.

Sec. 23.

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

136A.155 ADDITIONAL INSTITUTION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

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 state deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin and new text end is approved by the United States Secretary of Education deleted text begin , and, as determined by the office, maintains academic standards substantially equal to those of comparable institutions operated in this state deleted text end .

Sec. 24.

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

136A.162 CLASSIFICATION OF DATA.

(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.

Sec. 25.

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

Subd. 4.

Terms and conditions of loans.

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

Sec. 26.

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

136A.1796 TRIBAL COLLEGE SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT ASSISTANCE.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given deleted text begin them deleted 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 enrolled new text begin in a certificate, diploma, or degree program new 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.

Subd. 2.

Eligibility; grant assistance.

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

Subd. 3.

Grant application.

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.

Subd. 4.

Reporting by recipient institutions.

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.

Sec. 27.

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

Subd. 1a.

Definitions.

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

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

(c) "Eligible training" means training provided by an eligible training provider that:

(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 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 degrees, certificates, or credentials" means:

(1) new text begin accredited new text end certificates, diplomas, or degrees issued by a 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.

Sec. 28.

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

Subd. 4.

Criteria for approval.

(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.

Sec. 29.

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

Subd. 5.

Higher Learning Commission accredited institutions in Minnesota.

(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 degrees deleted text end ;

(3) underlying curriculum or courses;

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

(5) locations new text begin ; and new text end

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

(c) The institution must notify the commissioner within 60 days of a program closing.

(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

Sec. 30.

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

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

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

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

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

Sec. 31.

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

Subdivision 1.

Registration fees.

(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 year deleted text end must pay registration fees deleted text begin for each applicable level deleted text end new text begin based on the institution's total full-time equivalent enrollment new 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 year deleted text end must pay registration fees in an amount equal to the fee deleted text begin for the first degree at each degree level deleted text end under paragraph (b), plus fees for each deleted text begin additional deleted 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's deleted text end degree new 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

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

(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.

Sec. 32.

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

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

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Policy. new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Citation. new text end

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

Sec. 33.

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

Subd. 4.

Person.

"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

Sec. 34.

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

Subd. 5.

Private career school.

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

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.821, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 21. new text end

new text begin Vocational. new text end

new text begin "Vocational" means education or training for skills used in the labor market. new text end

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.821, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 22. new text end

new text begin Trade union. new text end

new text begin "Trade union" means an organization of workers in a skilled occupation who act together to secure all members favorable wages, hours, or other working conditions. new text end

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.821, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 23. new text end

new text begin Eligible training provider. new text end

new text begin "Eligible training provider" has the meaning given in Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, section 680.410. new text end

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.821, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 24. new text end

new text begin Eligible training provider list. new text end

new text begin "Eligible training provider list" means the list of eligible training providers that the state must maintain under Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, section 680.430. new text end

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.821, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 25. new text end

new text begin State financial aid. new text end

new text begin For purposes of sections 136A.82 to 136A.834, "state financial aid" includes all financial aid that may be awarded under chapter 136A, with the exception of the dual training grant. new text end

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.821, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 26. new text end

new text begin WIOA funding. new text end

new text begin "WIOA funding" means any funding available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act under Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, section 680. new text end

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.821, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 27. new text end

new text begin Dual training grant. new text end

new text begin "Dual training grant" means any money awarded under section 136A.246. new text end

Sec. 42.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.822, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Refunds.

If a contract is deleted text begin deemed deleted text end new text begin determined by the office to be new text end unenforceable under subdivision 2, a private career school must refund tuition, fees, and other charges received from a student or on behalf of a student within 30 days of receiving written notification and demand for refund from the office.

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.822, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Bond.

(a) No license shall be issued to any private career school with a physical presence within the state of Minnesota for any program, unless the applicant files with the office a continuous corporate surety bond written by a company authorized to do business in Minnesota conditioned upon the faithful performance of all contracts and agreements with students made by the applicant.

(b) deleted text begin (1) deleted text end The amount of the surety bond shall be ten percent of the preceding year's net revenue from student tuition, fees, and other required institutional charges collected, but in no event less than $10,000, except that a private career school may deposit a greater amount at its own discretion. A private career school in each annual application for licensure must compute the amount of the surety bond and verify that the amount of the surety bond complies with this subdivision. A private career school that operates at two or more locations may combine net revenue from student tuition, fees, and other required institutional charges collected for all locations for the purpose of determining the annual surety bond requirement. The net revenue from tuition and fees used to determine the amount of the surety bond required for a private career school having a license for the sole purpose of recruiting students in Minnesota shall be only that paid to the private career school by the students recruited from Minnesota.

deleted text begin (2) A person required to obtain a private career school license due to the use of "academy," "institute," "college," or "university" in its name and which is also licensed by another state agency or board, except not including those schools licensed exclusively in order to participate in state grants or SELF loan financial aid programs, shall be required to provide a school bond of $10,000. deleted text end

(c) The bond shall run to the state of Minnesota and to any person who may have a cause of action against the applicant arising at any time after the bond is filed and before it is canceled for breach of any contract or agreement made by the applicant with any student. The aggregate liability of the surety for all breaches of the conditions of the bond shall not exceed the principal sum deposited by the private career school under paragraph (b). The surety of any bond may cancel it upon giving 60 days' notice in writing to the office and shall be relieved of liability for any breach of condition occurring after the effective date of cancellation.

(d) In lieu of bond, the applicant may deposit with the commissioner of management and budget a sum equal to the amount of the required surety bond in cash, an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a financial institution equal to the amount of the required surety bond, or securities as may be legally purchased by savings banks or for trust funds in an aggregate market value equal to the amount of the required surety bond.

(e) Failure of a private career school to post and maintain the required surety bond or deposit under paragraph (d) may result in denial, suspension, or revocation of the school's license.

Sec. 44.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.822, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Minimum standards.

A license shall be issued if the office first determines:

(1) that the applicant has a sound financial condition with sufficient resources available to:

(i) meet the private career school's financial obligations;

(ii) refund all tuition and other charges, within deleted text begin a reasonable period of time deleted text end new text begin 60 days new text end , in the event of dissolution of the private career school or in the event of any justifiable claims for refund against the private career school by the student body;

(iii) provide adequate service to its students and prospective students; and

(iv) maintain and support the private career school;

(2) that the applicant has satisfactory facilities with sufficient tools and equipment and the necessary number of work stations to prepare adequately the students currently enrolled, and those proposed to be enrolled;

(3) that the applicant employs a sufficient number of qualified teaching personnel to provide the educational programs contemplated;

(4) that the private career school has an organizational framework with administrative and instructional personnel to provide the programs and services it intends to offer;

(5) that the quality and content of each occupational course or program of study provides education and adequate preparation to enrolled students for entry level positions in the occupation for which prepared;

(6) that the premises and conditions where the students work and study and the student living quarters which are owned, maintained, recommended, or approved by the applicant are sanitary, healthful, and safe, as evidenced by certificate of occupancy issued by the municipality or county where the private career school is physically situated, a fire inspection by the local or state fire marshal, or another verification deemed acceptable by the office;

(7) that the contract or enrollment agreement used by the private career school complies with the provisions in section 136A.826;

(8) that contracts and agreements do not contain a wage assignment provision or a confession of judgment clause;

(9) that there has been no adjudication of fraud or misrepresentation in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding in any jurisdiction against the private career school or its owner, officers, agents, or sponsoring organization;

(10) that the private career school or its owners, officers, agents, or sponsoring organization has not had a license revoked under section 136A.829 or its equivalent in other states or has closed the institution prior to all students, enrolled at the time of the closure, completing their program within two years of the effective date of the revocation; and

(11) that the school includes a joint and several liability provision for torts and compliance with the requirements of sections 136A.82 to 136A.834 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 to Minnesota residents that may be applied to a program.

Sec. 45.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.822, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

deleted text begin Private career schools licensed by another state agency or board deleted text end new text begin Limited license new text end .

new text begin (a) Unless otherwise exempt under sections 136A.82 to 136A.834: new text end

new text begin (1) new text end a private career school new text begin licensed by another state agency or board must be new text end required to obtain a deleted text begin private career school deleted text end new text begin limited new text end license deleted text begin due deleted text end to deleted text begin the use of "academy," "institute," "college," or "university" in its name or licensed for the purpose of participating deleted text end new text begin participate new text end in state financial aid deleted text begin under chapter 136A, and which is also licensed by another state agency or board deleted text end new text begin ; and new text end

new text begin (2) a private career school exclusively seeking to be listed on the eligible training provider list, access WIOA funding, or receive the dual training grant shall be required to obtain a limited license. new text end

new text begin (b) A private career school seeking a limited license under this subdivision new text end shall be required to satisfy only the requirements of subdivisions 4, clauses (1), (2), (3), deleted text begin (5), deleted text end (7), (8), new text begin (9), new text end and (10); 5; deleted text begin 6, paragraph (b), clause (2); deleted text end 8, clauses (1), (4), (7), (8), deleted text begin and deleted text end (9) new text begin , and (10) new text end ; 9; 10; new text begin 11; new text end and 12. If a school is licensed to participate in state financial aid under this chapter, the school must follow the refund policy in section 136A.827, even if that section conflicts with the refund policy of the licensing agency or board. A distance education private career school located in another state, or a school licensed to recruit Minnesota residents for attendance at a school outside of this state, or a school licensed by another state agency as its primary licensing body, may continue to use the school's name as permitted by its home state or its primary licensing body.

Sec. 46.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.824, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Initial licensure fee.

(a) The office processing fee for an initial licensure application is:

(1) deleted text begin $2,500 deleted text end new text begin $3,730 new text end for a private career school that will offer no more than one program during its first year of operation;

(2) deleted text begin $750 deleted text end new text begin $1,500 new text end for a private career school licensed new text begin by another state agency and seeking a limited license new text end exclusively deleted text begin due to the use of the term "college," "university," "academy," or "institute" in its name, or licensed exclusively deleted text end in order to participate in state deleted text begin grant or SELF loan deleted text end financial aid deleted text begin programs deleted text end ; and

(3) deleted text begin $2,500 deleted text end new text begin $3,730 new text end , plus $500 for each additional program offered by the private career school, for a private career school during its first year of new text begin licensed new text end operation.

(b) In addition to the fee under paragraph (a), 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 licensure requirement; or (2) cumulatively has had six revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application reminders for the same license application and the private career school seeks to continue with the application process with additional application submissions. If this fee is paid, the private career school may submit two final application submissions for review prior to application denial under section 136A.829, subdivision 1, clause (2). 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.

Sec. 47.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.824, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Renewal licensure fee; late fee.

(a) The office processing fee for a renewal licensure application is:

(1) for a private career school deleted text begin that offers one program deleted text end , the license renewal fee is deleted text begin $1,150 deleted text end new text begin $3,160 new text end ; new text begin and new text end

deleted text begin (2) for a private career school that offers more than one program, the license renewal fee is $1,150, plus $200 for each additional program with a maximum renewal licensing fee of $2,000; deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) for a private career school licensed exclusively due to the use of the term "college," "university," "academy," or "institute" in its name, the license renewal fee is $750; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end for a private career school licensed by another state agency deleted text begin and also licensed deleted text end new text begin and that also has a limited license new text end with the office exclusively in order to participate in state deleted text begin student deleted text end new text begin financial new text end aid deleted text begin programs deleted text end , the license renewal fee is deleted text begin $750 deleted text end new text begin $1,500 new text end .

(b) If a license renewal application is not received by the office by deleted text begin the close of business at least 60 days before deleted text end the expiration of the current license, a late fee of $100 per business day, not to exceed $3,000, shall be assessed.

(c) In addition to the fee under paragraph (a), 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 licensure requirement; or (2) cumulatively has had six revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application reminders for the same license application and the private career school seeks to continue with the application process with additional application submissions. If this fee is paid, the private career school may submit two final application submissions for review prior to application denial under section 136A.829, subdivision 1, clause (2). 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.

Sec. 48.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.824, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Solicitor permit fee.

The solicitor permit fee is deleted text begin $350 deleted text end new text begin $500 new text end and must be paid annually.

Sec. 49.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.824, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Multiple location fee.

Private career schools wishing to operate at multiple locations must pay new text begin the greater of new text end :

(1) deleted text begin $250 deleted text end new text begin $500 new text end per location deleted text begin , for locations two to five; and deleted text end new text begin ; or new text end

(2) deleted text begin an additional $100 for each location over five. deleted text end new text begin the actual cost of travel expenses, lodging, and customary meals incurred for an in-person site visit, should the office determine one is necessary. new text end

Sec. 50.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.833, is amended to read:

136A.833 EXEMPTIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Application for exemptions.

new text begin (a) new text end A school that seeks an exemption from the provisions of sections 136A.822 to 136A.834 for the school and all of its programs or some of its programs must apply to the office to establish that the school or program meets the requirements of an exemption. An exemption for the school or program expires two years from the date of approval or when a school adds a new program or makes a modification equal to or greater than 25 percent to an existing educational program. If a school is reapplying for an exemption, the application must be submitted to the office 90 days before the current exemption expires. new text begin If a school fails to apply within 90 days of expiration, the school is subject to fees and penalties under sections 136A.831 and 136A.832. new text end This exemption shall not extend to any school that uses any publication or advertisement that is not truthful and gives any false, fraudulent, deceptive, inaccurate, or misleading impressions about the school or its personnel, programs, services, or occupational opportunities for its graduates for promotion and student recruitment. Exemptions denied under this section are subject to appeal under section 136A.829. If an appeal is initiated, the denial of the exemption is not effective until the final determination of the appeal, unless immediate effect is ordered by the court.

new text begin (b) A school that meets any of the exemptions in this section and exclusively seeks to be listed on the eligible training provider list, access WIOA funding, or receive the dual training grant, is exempt from sections 136A.822 to 136A.834, except the school must satisfy the requirements of section 136A.822, subdivisions 4, clauses (1), (2), and (3); 8, clauses (9) and (10); 10, clause (8); and 12. new text end

Subd. 2.

Exemption reasons.

Sections 136A.821 to 136A.832 shall not apply to the following:

deleted text begin (1) public postsecondary institutions; deleted text end

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

deleted text begin (3) postsecondary institutions exempt from registration under sections 136A.653, subdivisions 1b, 2, 3, and 3a; 136A.657; and 136A.658; deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) private schools complying with the requirements of section 120A.22, subdivision 4; deleted text end

deleted 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. A trade union is an organization of workers in the same skilled occupation or related skilled occupations who act together to secure all members favorable wages, hours, and other working conditions; deleted text end

deleted text begin (6) private career schools exclusively engaged in training physically or mentally disabled persons; deleted text end

deleted text begin (7) private career schools licensed or approved by boards authorized under Minnesota law to issue licenses for training programs except private career schools required to obtain a private career school license due to the use of "academy," "institute," "college," or "university" in their names; deleted text end

deleted text begin (8) private career schools and educational programs, or training programs, contracted for by persons, firms, corporations, government agencies, or associations, for the training of their own employees, for which no fee is charged the employee, regardless of whether that fee is reimbursed by the employer or third party after the employee successfully completes the training; deleted text end

deleted text begin (9) deleted text end new text begin (1) new text end private career schools engaged exclusively in the teaching of deleted text begin purely deleted text end avocational new text begin programs that are engaged primarily for personal development new text end , deleted text begin recreational deleted text end new text begin recreation new text end , or remedial deleted text begin subjects that deleted text end new text begin education, and new text end are not deleted text begin advertised or maintained deleted text end new text begin generally intended new text end for vocational or career advancement, including adult basic education, new text begin exercise or fitness teacher programs, modeling, or acting, new text end as determined by the office deleted text begin except private career schools required to obtain a private career school license due to the use of "college" or "university" in their names deleted text end ;

deleted 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; deleted text end

deleted 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 deleted text end deleted text begin 309 deleted text end deleted text begin . For the 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. In making this determination the office may seek the advice and recommendation of the Minnesota Board of the Arts; deleted text end

deleted 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 deleted text end deleted text begin exclusively to individuals with the professional licensure or certification. In making the determination that the licensure or certification 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 licensure and certification is recognized in Minnesota; deleted text end

deleted text begin (13) review classes, courses, or programs intended to prepare students to sit for undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or occupational licensing, certification, or entrance examinations and does not include the instruction to prepare students for that license, occupation, certification, or exam; deleted text end

deleted text begin (14) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end classes, courses, or programs providing deleted text begin 16 deleted text end new text begin 40 new text end or fewer clock hours of instruction; new text begin and new text end

deleted text begin (15) classes, courses, or programs providing instruction in personal development that is not advertised or maintained for vocational or career advancement, modeling, or acting; deleted text end

deleted text begin (16) private career schools with no physical presence in Minnesota engaged exclusively in offering distance instruction that are located in and regulated by other states or jurisdictions if the distance education instruction does not include internships, externships, field placements, or clinical placements for residents of Minnesota; and deleted text end

deleted text begin (17) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end private career schools providing deleted text begin exclusively deleted text end training, instructional programs, or courses where tuition, fees, and any other charges deleted text begin , regardless of payment or reimbursement method, deleted text end for a student to participate do not exceed deleted text begin $100 deleted text end new text begin $500 new text end .

Sec. 51.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.834, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Exemption.

(a) A program is exempt from the provisions of sections 136A.821 to 136A.832 if it is:

(1) offered by a deleted text begin private career deleted text end school or any department or branch of a deleted text begin private career deleted text end school that is substantially owned, operated, or supported by a bona fide church or religious organization;

(2) primarily designed for, aimed at, and attended by persons who sincerely hold or seek to learn the particular religious faith or beliefs of that church or religious organization; and

(3) primarily intended to prepare its students to become ministers of, to enter into some other vocation closely related to, or to conduct their lives in consonance with the particular faith of that church or religious organization.

(b) Any deleted text begin private career deleted text end school or any department or branch of a deleted text begin private career deleted text end school is exempt from the provisions of sections 136A.821 to 136A.832 if all of its programs are exempt under paragraph (a).

Sec. 52.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.834, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Application.

A school that seeks an exemption from the provisions of sections 136A.82 to 136A.834 must apply to the office to establish that the school meets the requirements of an exemption. An exemption expires two years from the date of approval or when a school adds a new program or makes a modification equal to or greater than 25 percent to an existing educational program. If a school is reapplying for an exemption, the application must be submitted to the office 90 days before the current exemption expires. new text begin If a school fails to apply within 90 days of expiration, the school is subject to the fees and penalties under sections 136A.831 and 136A.832. new text end

Sec. 53.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.87, is amended to read:

136A.87 PLANNING INFORMATION FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.

(a) The office shall make available to all residents beginning in 7th grade through adulthood information about planning and preparing for postsecondary opportunities. Information must be provided to all 7th grade students and their parents annually by September 30 about planning for their postsecondary education. The office may also provide information to high school students and their parents, to adults, and to out-of-school youth.

deleted text begin (b) The office shall gather and share information with students and parents about the dual credit acceptance policies of each Minnesota public and private college and university. The office shall gather and share information related to the acceptance policies for concurrent enrollment courses, postsecondary enrollment options courses, advanced placement courses, and international baccalaureate courses. This information must be shared on the office's website and included in the information under paragraph (a). deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end The information provided under paragraph (a) may include the following:

(1) the need to start planning early;

(2) the availability of assistance in educational planning from educational institutions and other organizations;

(3) suggestions for studying effectively during high school;

(4) high school courses necessary to be adequately prepared for postsecondary education;

(5) encouragement to involve parents actively in planning for all phases of education;

(6) information about postsecondary education and training opportunities existing in the state, their respective missions and expectations for students, their preparation requirements, admission requirements, and student placement;

(7) ways to evaluate and select postsecondary institutions;

(8) the process of transferring credits among Minnesota postsecondary institutions and systems;

(9) the costs of postsecondary education and the availability of financial assistance in meeting these costs, including specific information about the Minnesota Promise;

(10) the interrelationship of assistance from student financial aid, public assistance, and job training programs;

(11) financial planning for postsecondary education; and

(12) postsecondary education options for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sec. 54.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.901, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Grant program.

(a) The commissioner shall establish a grant program to award grants to institutions in Minnesota for research into spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Grants shall be awarded to conduct research into new and innovative treatments and rehabilitative efforts for the functional improvement of people with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Research topics may include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical, medical device, brain stimulus, and rehabilitative approaches and techniques. The commissioner, in consultation with the advisory council established under section 136A.902, shall award 50 percent of the grant funds for research involving spinal cord injuries and 50 percent to research involving traumatic brain injuries. In addition to the amounts appropriated by law, the commissioner may accept additional funds from private and public sources. Amounts received from these sources are appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of issuing grants under this section.

(b) new text begin Institutions that are eligible to apply for a grant under this section include postsecondary institutions and nonprofit organizations. new text end

new text begin (c) new text end A spinal cord and traumatic brain injury grant account is established in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner to make grants and to administer the grant program under this section. Appropriations to the commissioner for the program are for transfer to the account. Appropriations from the account do not cancel and are available until expended.

Sec. 55.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 137.022, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Endowed chair account.

(a) For purposes of this section, the permanent university fund has three accounts. The sources of the money in the endowed mineral research and new text begin endowed new text end scholarship accounts are set out in paragraph (b) and subdivision 4. All money in the fund that is not otherwise allocated is in the endowed chair account. The income from the endowed chair account must be used, and capital gains allocated to that account may be used, to provide endowment support for professorial chairs in academic disciplines. The endowment support for the chairs from the income and the capital gains must not total more than six percent per year of the 36-month trailing average market value of the endowed chair account of the fund, as computed quarterly or otherwise as directed by the regents. The endowment support from the income and the capital gains must not provide more than half the sum of the endowment support for all university chairs and professorships endowed, with nonstate sources providing the remainder. The endowment support from the income and the capital gains may provide more than half the endowment support of an individual chair.

(b) If any portion of the annual appropriation of the income is not used for the purposes specified in paragraph (a) or subdivision 4, that portion lapses and must be added to the principal of the three accounts of the permanent university fund in proportion to the market value of each account.

Sec. 56.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 137.022, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Mineral research; scholarships.

(a) All income credited after July 1, 1992, to the permanent university fund from royalties for mining under state mineral leases from and after July 1, 1991, must be allocated as provided in this subdivision.

(b) deleted text begin (1) deleted text end Beginning January 1, deleted text begin 2013 deleted text end new text begin 2026 new text end , deleted text begin 50 percent of deleted text end the income must be allocated according to this paragraph.

deleted text begin One-half deleted text end new text begin (1) One-fourth new text end of the income under this paragraph, up to deleted text begin $50,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $100,000,000 new text end , must be credited to the new text begin endowed new text end mineral research account of the fund deleted text begin to be allocated for the Natural Resources Research Institute-Duluth and Coleraine facilities, deleted text end for mineral and mineral-related research new text begin , new text end including mineral-related environmental research new text begin , at the Natural Resources Research Institute-Duluth and Coleraine facilities new text end .

deleted text begin The other one-half deleted text end new text begin (2) One-fourth new text end of the income under this paragraph, up to $25,000,000, deleted text begin is deleted text end new text begin must be new text end credited to an endowment for deleted text begin the costs of deleted text end operating mining, mineral, new text begin and new text end mineral-related deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin degree programs new text end or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs offered through the University of Minnesota at Minnesota North College and the new text begin University of Minnesota Duluth new text end Swenson College of Science and Engineering deleted text begin at Duluth deleted text end to support workforce development and collaborations benefiting regional academics, industry, and natural resources on the Iron Range in northeast Minnesota new text begin , new text end and for new text begin providing new text end scholarships for Minnesota students, prioritizing students in the Minnesota Economic Development Region 3, to attend the mining, mineral, mineral-related, or STEM new text begin degree new text end programs. The maximum scholarship awarded to attend the degree programs funded under this paragraph cannot exceed 75 percent of current resident tuition rates per academic year and may be awarded a maximum of four academic years.

new text begin (3) One-fourth of the income under this paragraph must be credited to the Natural Resources Research Institute for general operating and research costs. new text end

deleted text begin (2) The remainder of the income under paragraph (a) deleted text end new text begin (4) One-fourth of the income under this paragraph, new text end plus the deleted text begin amount of any deleted text end new text begin remainder of the new text end income new text begin allocated new text end under clause (1) after deleted text begin $50,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $100,000,000 new text end has been credited to the new text begin endowed new text end mineral research account deleted text begin for the Natural Resources Research Institute and the amount of any income over the $25,000,000 for the programming in clause (1) deleted text end new text begin and the remainder of the income allocated under clause (2) after $25,000,000 has been credited to an endowment for mining, mineral, mineral-related, or STEM degree programs and scholarships, new text end must be credited to the endowed scholarship account of the fund for distribution annually for scholastic achievement as provided by the Board of Regents to undergraduates enrolled at the University of Minnesota who are resident students as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 8.

(c) The annual distribution from the endowed scholarship account must be allocated to the various campuses of the University of Minnesota in proportion to the number of undergraduate resident students enrolled on each campus.

(d) The Board of Regents must report to the education committees of the legislature biennially at the time of the submission of its budget request on the disbursement of money from the endowed scholarship account and to the environment and natural resources committees on the use of the mineral research account.

(e) Capital gains and losses and portfolio income of the permanent university fund must be credited to its three accounts in proportion to the market value of each account.

(f) The endowment support from the income and capital gains of the endowed mineral research and endowed scholarship accounts of the fund must not total more than six percent per year of the 36-month trailing average market value of the account from which the support is derived.

Sec. 57.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 137.375, is amended to read:

137.375 DISABLED VETERANS; UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM.

(a) For purposes of this section, "disabled veteran" means a veteran as defined in section 197.447 who is certified as disabled. "Certified as disabled" means certified in writing by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the state commissioner of veterans affairs as having a permanent service-connected disability.

(b) The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is requested to provide a disabled veteran new text begin and one guest new text end unlimited access to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum located in the city of Chaska free of charge. The disabled veteran must provide a veteran photo identification card with the term "service-connected" on the identification card, verifying that the disabled veteran has a service-connected disability.

Sec. 58.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 151.37, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

Administration of opiate antagonists for drug overdose.

(a) A licensed physician, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse authorized to prescribe drugs pursuant to section 148.235, or a licensed physician assistant may authorize the following individuals to administer opiate antagonists, as defined in section 604A.04, subdivision 1:

(1) an emergency medical responder registered pursuant to section 144E.27;

(2) a peace officer as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraphs (c) and (d);

(3) correctional employees of a state or local political subdivision;

(4) staff of community-based health disease prevention or social service programs;

(5) a volunteer firefighter;

(6) a nurse or any other personnel employed by, or under contract with, new text begin a postsecondary institution or new text end a charter, public, or private school; and

(7) transit rider investment program personnel authorized under section 473.4075.

(b) For the purposes of this subdivision, opiate antagonists may be administered by one of these individuals only if:

(1) the licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse has issued a standing order to, or entered into a protocol with, the individual; and

(2) the individual has training in the recognition of signs of opiate overdose and the use of opiate antagonists as part of the emergency response to opiate overdose.

(c) Nothing in this section prohibits the possession and administration of naloxone pursuant to section 604A.04.

(d) Notwithstanding section 148.235, subdivisions 8 and 9, a licensed practical nurse is authorized to possess and administer according to this subdivision an opiate antagonist in a school setting.

Sec. 59.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 474A.061, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Small issue pool allocation.

Commencing on the second Tuesday in January and continuing on each Monday through the last Monday in June, the commissioner shall allocate available bonding authority from the small issue pool to applications received on or before the Monday of the preceding week for manufacturing projects and enterprise zone facility projects. From the second Tuesday in January through the last Monday in June, the commissioner shall reserve $5,000,000 of the available bonding authority from the small issue pool for applications for agricultural development bond loan projects of the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority.

Beginning in calendar year deleted text begin 2002 deleted text end new text begin 2026 new text end , on the second Tuesday in January through the last Monday in June, the commissioner shall reserve deleted text begin $10,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $25,000,000 new text end of available bonding authority in the small issue pool for applications for student loan bonds of or on behalf of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The total amount of allocations for student loan bonds from the small issue pool may not exceed deleted text begin $10,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $25,000,000 new text end per year.

The commissioner shall reserve $10,000,000 until the day after the last Monday in February, $10,000,000 until the day after the last Monday in April, and $10,000,000 until the day after the last Monday in June in the small issue pool for enterprise zone facility projects and manufacturing projects. The amount of allocation provided to an issuer for a specific enterprise zone facility project or manufacturing project will be based on the number of points received for the proposed project under the scoring system under section 474A.045.

If there are two or more applications for manufacturing and enterprise zone facility projects from the small issue pool and there is insufficient bonding authority to provide allocations for all projects in any one week, the available bonding authority shall be awarded based on the number of points awarded a project under section 474A.045, with those projects receiving the greatest number of points receiving allocation first. If two or more applications receive an equal number of points, available bonding authority shall be awarded by lot unless otherwise agreed to by the respective issuers.

Sec. 60.

new text begin MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ENROLLMENT FRAUD WORKING GROUP. new text end

new text begin The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must convene a working group to develop policies and procedures to prevent fraudulent enrollment in online courses for the purpose of gaining access to financial aid, campus information technology systems, and student support services. The board must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education and to the chair and ranking minority member of the house of representatives fraud prevention and state agency oversight policy committee by January 15, 2026. No additional compensation will be provided for participation in this working group. The working group must include representatives from: new text end

new text begin (1) the Minnesota State University Student Association; new text end

new text begin (2) the Minnesota State College Student Association; new text end

new text begin (3) the Minnesota State College Faculty; new text end

new text begin (4) the Inter Faculty Organization; new text end

new text begin (5) the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees; new text end

new text begin (6) the Minnesota State University Association of Administrative and Service Faculty; new text end

new text begin (7) the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; and new text end

new text begin (8) others as deemed necessary by the working group. new text end

Sec. 61.

new text begin LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANTS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin To help recruit and retain law enforcement officers in the state, the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must establish a grant program to cover the cost of tuition and fees at institutions within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system for students who satisfy the eligibility requirements under subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given: new text end

new text begin (1) "gift aid" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1465, subdivision 1, clause (2); new text end

new text begin (2) "law enforcement agency" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (f); new text end

new text begin (3) "other expenses" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1465, subdivision 1, clause (3); new text end

new text begin (4) "peace officer" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (c); new text end

new text begin (5) "state college or university" means an institution operated by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; new text end

new text begin (6) "total and permanent duty disability" means a condition qualifying for benefits under Minnesota Statutes, section 353.656, subdivision 1a; and new text end

new text begin (7) "tuition and fees" means the actual tuition and mandatory fees charged by the state college or university attended by the eligible student. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Eligibility. new text end

new text begin An individual is eligible for a grant under this section if the individual: new text end

new text begin (1) applies in the form and manner specified by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; new text end

new text begin (2) is a resident student, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.101, subdivision 8; new text end

new text begin (3) is a graduate of a secondary school or its equivalent, or is 17 years of age or older and has met all requirements for admission as a student to a state college or university; new text end

new text begin (4) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the state aid application; new text end

new text begin (5) is enrolled in at least one credit per fall, spring, or summer semester in an undergraduate certificate, diploma, or degree program at a state college or university; new text end

new text begin (6) has not (i) obtained a baccalaureate degree, or (ii) been enrolled for 12 semesters or the equivalent, excluding courses taken that qualify as developmental education or below college level and are subject to subdivision 5, paragraph (b); new text end

new text begin (7) is not in default for any federal or state student educational loan; new text end

new text begin (8) is (i) 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 (ii) 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 Minnesota Statutes, section 518A.69, or order for arrearages; new text end

new text begin (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, title 34, section 668.32; new text end

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

new text begin (11) is either: new text end

new text begin (i) the dependent child of a peace officer employed by a Minnesota law enforcement agency; new text end

new text begin (ii) the dependent child of an individual who, while employed by a Minnesota law enforcement agency as a peace officer, suffered a total and permanent duty disability; new text end

new text begin (iii) enrolled in at least one credit per fall, spring, or summer semester in an undergraduate degree program at a state college or university in the field of criminal justice, law enforcement, or a similar field; or new text end

new text begin (iv) enrolled in a law enforcement skills program at a state college or university. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Award amount. new text end

new text begin (a) Scholarships must be awarded to eligible students in an amount equal to 100 percent of tuition and fees after gift aid is deducted. new text end

new text begin (b) If there is a projected shortfall in available resources, the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities may proportionately reduce awards to keep spending within available resources. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Duration of grant. new text end

new text begin (a) Each scholarship is for a period of one semester or the equivalent term. A scholarship may be renewed if the eligible student continues to meet the conditions of eligibility. A grant award is terminated upon failure to meet the eligibility requirements under subdivision 3. new text end

new text begin (b) A student is entitled to an additional semester or the equivalent of grant eligibility if the student withdraws from enrollment: new text end

new text begin (1) for active military service because the student is ordered to active military service as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 190.05, subdivision 5b or 5c; new text end

new text begin (2) for a serious health condition, while under the care of a medical professional, that substantially limits the student's ability to complete the term; or new text end

new text begin (3) while providing care that substantially limits the student's ability to complete the term to the student's spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition. new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Administration. new text end

new text begin (a) The first round of grants shall be awarded in the 2026-2027 academic year. The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must determine the time and manner of grant applications. The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must require an applicant to provide documentation verifying that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria under subdivision 3, clause (11). new text end

new text begin (b) The scholarship must be paid directly to the state college or university where the student is enrolled. new text end

new text begin (c) The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must prepare promotional and informational materials about the grant program under this section and disseminate the materials to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, and the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training may collaborate on promotion and administration of the program. new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin This section expires June 30, 2027. new text end

Sec. 62.

new text begin REVISOR INSTRUCTIONS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Student parent support. new text end

new text begin The revisor of statutes must renumber Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.1251, as Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.915. The revisor must also make cross-reference changes consistent with the renumbering. new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Inclusive higher education. new text end

new text begin The revisor of statutes must renumber Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.161, as Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.921. The revisor of statutes must renumber Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.162, as Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.922. The revisor must also make cross-reference changes consistent with the renumbering. new text end

Sec. 63.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 135A.137; 136A.1788; 136A.1789; 136A.1791, subdivisions 1, 2, 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; 136A.69, subdivisions 3 and 5; 136A.824, subdivisions 3 and 5; and 136A.91, new text end new text begin are repealed. Money for the programs in 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. new text end

new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 5.41, subdivision 2; 136A.057; 136A.1251, subdivision 5; and 136A.861, subdivision 7, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

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

new text begin (d) new text end new text begin Minnesota Rules, part 4850.0014, subparts 1 and 2, new text end new text begin are repealed. new text end

Presented to the governor June 12, 2025

Signed by the governor June 14, 2025, 10:28 a.m.