This bill focuses on enhancing higher education funding and policies in Minnesota, specifically targeting the Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Minnesota. It includes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 aimed at providing student tuition relief, workforce development scholarships, and support for underrepresented student teachers. Key provisions establish a maximum for tuition and fees for four-year programs, funding for educational benefits for public safety officers' families, and grants for Tribal colleges. The bill also mandates hiring personnel with expertise in American Indian culture to assist students with financial aid and scholarship information, while granting the Office of Higher Education authority to manage appropriations and implement policy changes related to student financial aid.

Additionally, the bill introduces various amendments to Minnesota Statutes concerning student financial aid and institutional eligibility, including setting the parental contribution for dependent students to $0 and adjusting eligibility criteria for state aid. It establishes a Hunger-Free Campus designation for public postsecondary institutions, requiring them to provide food security resources to students, and outlines a competitive grant process for institutions meeting these criteria. The bill also revises procedures for handling sexual misconduct grievances, ensuring equitable treatment for reporting parties, and introduces provisions for supporting pregnant and parenting students. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to higher education, support student needs, and enhance transparency and accountability in the administration of educational programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 135A.15, 135A.1582, 136A.246, 136A.87, 136A.901
1st Engrossment: 136A.1251, 135A.052, 135A.137, 135A.15, 135A.1582, 136A.01, 136A.101, 136A.103, 136A.121, 136A.1465, 136A.155, 136A.162, 136A.1701, 136A.1796, 136A.246, 136A.65, 136A.653, 136A.658, 136A.69, 136A.82, 136A.821, 136A.822, 136A.824, 136A.833, 136A.834, 136A.901