The bill aims to enhance funding and policy frameworks for higher education in Minnesota, focusing on 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 students facing basic needs insecurity. Key provisions include the establishment of a standardized financial aid offer form, modifications to sexual misconduct grievance processes, and requirements for reporting on emergency assistance grants and hunger-free campus activities. Notably, the bill allocates funds for initiatives such as the intervention for college attendance program and support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while also mandating that postsecondary institutions use allocated funds for emergency assistance grants without negatively impacting student financial aid.

Additionally, the bill includes significant amendments to existing laws, such as the introduction of a minimum annual grant amount for Tribally controlled colleges and the modification of eligibility criteria for state grants. It mandates that high schools participate in a direct admissions program starting in the 2029-2030 school year and establishes a comprehensive sexual misconduct grievance process. The bill also repeals several sections of Minnesota Statutes and Rules related to higher education and student support programs, aiming to streamline regulations and reduce administrative burdens on educational institutions. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve educational opportunities, support student needs, and promote transparency and accountability in higher education funding.

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