This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to modify provisions related to resident tuition and state student aid for higher education. Specifically, it revises section 135A.043 to clarify eligibility for resident tuition rates. The bill removes the previous requirement for students without lawful immigration status to provide documentation of compliance with selective service registration and to show that they have applied for lawful immigration status if a federal process exists. Instead, it establishes that a student who has attended high school in Minnesota for three or more years and graduated or obtained an equivalent will qualify for resident tuition, regardless of their immigration status.

Additionally, the bill updates the definition of a "resident student" in section 136A.101, subdivision 8, to include students who do not have a legal right or authorization to work in the U.S. under federal law. This change aligns with the new provisions in section 135A.043, ensuring that students who meet the specified residency and educational criteria can access resident tuition rates. The bill emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in higher education by broadening access to state educational resources for all qualifying students.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 135A.043, 136A.101