The bill addresses key aspects of higher education in Minnesota, particularly focusing on the treatment of applicants with criminal histories and funding for specific initiatives. It prohibits postsecondary institutions from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history until after an admission offer is made, allowing inquiries only for violent felonies or sexual assaults occurring within the last five years. Additionally, the bill allocates $19,604,000 for research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for fiscal year 2024 and establishes partnerships between Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and Head Start programs.

Moreover, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes to increase the revenue bond limit for educational projects from $1.3 billion to $2 billion and introduces new fees for private career school application processes. It also requires the collection of information on incarcerated federal student aid borrowers to facilitate their enrollment in income-driven repayment plans. The bill further prohibits agreements with for-profit institutions that charge incarcerated students higher rates and allows enrollment in postsecondary education to fulfill employment requirements for those under supervised release. Lastly, it repeals statutes that restrict higher education payments for inmates convicted of serious crimes, thereby broadening educational access for this population.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 136A.69, 136A.824
1st Engrossment: 136A.29, 136A.69, 136A.824
2nd Engrossment: 136A.29, 136A.69, 136A.824