This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to modify provisions related to resident tuition and state student aid. Specifically, it revises the eligibility criteria for resident tuition under section 135A.043 by removing the requirement for students without lawful immigration status to provide documentation of selective service registration and proof of an application for lawful immigration status. Instead, the bill stipulates 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 "resident student" in section 136A.101, subdivision 8, 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. This change aims to ensure that students who meet the residency requirements can access resident tuition rates, thereby expanding educational opportunities for a broader range of students in Minnesota. The bill also requests the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to adopt a policy to implement these changes.

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