The bill proposes significant reforms to higher education in Minnesota, focusing on student support, financial aid, and institutional accountability. Key changes include updated eligibility criteria for student aid, which now require satisfactory academic progress and limit enrollment to 12 semesters. The bill also prohibits schools from withholding transcripts due to student debt under certain conditions and mandates clear policies on debt collection practices. Additionally, it establishes protections for pregnant and parenting students, ensuring they are not forced to withdraw from their programs, and requires institutions to provide navigators to assist these students. The legislation aims to enhance accessibility and support for diverse student populations, including those with disabilities, by allowing institutions to request additional documentation for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensuring the availability of reasonable accommodations.

Moreover, the bill strengthens oversight of private career schools by requiring them to obtain licenses to maintain a physical presence in Minnesota and mandating surety bonds based on tuition revenue. It also introduces provisions to enhance the handling of sexual misconduct cases in postsecondary institutions, including the application of a preponderance of the evidence standard in disciplinary proceedings and the establishment of an online reporting system for complaints. Institutions are required to submit annual expenditure and compliance reports, ensuring transparency in financial practices and accountability in their operations. The bill aims to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all students while enhancing the regulatory framework governing higher education institutions in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 135A.031, 135A.15, 136A.091, 136A.1241, 136A.1701, 136A.62, 136A.63, 136A.646, 136A.65, 136A.675, 136A.821, 136A.822, 136A.828, 136A.829
1st Engrossment: 135A.16, 136A.091, 136A.1241, 136A.1701, 136A.62, 136A.63, 136A.646, 136A.675, 136A.821, 136A.822, 136A.828, 136A.829, 135A.15, 136A.645, 136A.65