This bill amends Minnesota Statutes regarding resident tuition and state student aid, specifically targeting the eligibility criteria for students seeking resident tuition rates at state universities and colleges. The bill removes the previous requirement for students without lawful immigration status to provide documentation of compliance with selective service registration and proof of an application for lawful immigration status. Instead, it establishes that a student who has attended high school in Minnesota for three or more years and graduated or obtained an equivalent degree is eligible for resident tuition, regardless of their immigration status.

Additionally, the definition of a "resident student" is updated to clarify that it includes students who do not have a legal right or authorization to work in the U.S. under federal law. The bill retains various categories of students who qualify as residents, such as those who have lived in Minnesota for at least 12 months, graduated from a Minnesota high school, or are dependents of military members. The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is also requested to adopt a policy to implement these changes.

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