This bill aims to enhance higher education funding and policies in Minnesota, focusing on the Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Minnesota. It includes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, targeting student tuition relief, workforce development scholarships, and support for underrepresented student teachers. Key provisions include establishing tuition and fee maximums for four-year programs, funding educational benefits for families of public safety officers, and grants for initiatives supporting Tribal colleges and improving retention rates for students of color. The bill also grants the Office of Higher Education authority to manage appropriations and implement policy changes related to student financial aid, while repealing outdated statutes to streamline the legal framework.

Additionally, the bill introduces various programs and amendments to enhance educational access and accountability. It establishes a task force for Hunger-Free Campus designations, modifies sexual misconduct grievance procedures, and introduces supportive measures for pregnant and parenting students. Financial aid provisions are updated, including a new framework for determining family responsibility and eligibility criteria for scholarships. The bill also increases employer match requirements for training costs and raises maximum grant amounts for training applications. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve educational outcomes, support specific student populations, and ensure efficient use of state resources in Minnesota's higher education system.

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