The bill focuses on enhancing funding and policy frameworks for higher education in Minnesota, specifically targeting the Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Minnesota. It introduces new appropriations for scholarships, student aid, and support for underrepresented student teachers, alongside establishing a standardized financial aid offer form and modifying sexual misconduct grievance processes. Key funding allocations include $50,000 annually for campus sexual violence prevention, $1,000,000 for addressing PFAS contamination, and $4,500,000 each year for workforce development scholarships. The bill also emphasizes the importance of addressing basic needs insecurity among students and mandates annual reporting on the distribution and impact of allocated funds.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes related to higher education, including the repeal of outdated provisions concerning study abroad programs and hunger-free campus designations. It introduces a "limited license" for private career schools licensed by other state agencies, increases licensure fees, and establishes a grant program for spinal cord and traumatic brain injury research. The bill also outlines new requirements for postsecondary institutions regarding the handling of sexual misconduct cases and protections for pregnant and parenting students, ensuring a fair and supportive educational environment. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline regulatory frameworks while enhancing access and support for students across Minnesota's higher education institutions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 135A.137, 136A.01, 136A.101, 136A.103, 136A.121, 136A.1465, 136A.155, 136A.162, 136A.1701, 136A.1796, 136A.658, 136A.69, 136A.82, 136A.821, 136A.822, 136A.824, 136A.833, 136A.834
1st Engrossment: 135A.052, 135A.15, 135A.1582, 136A.01, 136A.101, 136A.103, 136A.121, 136A.1465, 136A.155, 136A.162, 136A.1796, 136A.246, 136A.65, 136A.653, 136A.658, 136A.69, 136A.821, 136A.822, 136A.824, 136A.833, 136A.834, 136A.87, 136A.901, 137.022, 151.37, 474A.061
2nd Engrossment: 135A.052, 135A.15, 135A.1582, 136A.01, 136A.101, 136A.103, 136A.121, 136A.1465, 136A.155, 136A.162, 136A.1796, 136A.246, 136A.65, 136A.653, 136A.658, 136A.69, 136A.821, 136A.822, 136A.824, 136A.833, 136A.834, 136A.87, 136A.901, 137.022, 151.37, 474A.061