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 establish a maximum for tuition and fees for four-year programs, funding for educational benefits for public safety officers' families, and grants for initiatives supporting Tribal colleges and improving retention rates for students of color. The bill also introduces new legal language to streamline the management of appropriations and policy changes related to student financial aid and institutional eligibility, while repealing outdated statutes.

Additionally, the bill outlines various funding allocations for health and educational initiatives, including $366,000 for unemployment insurance aid and $15.26 million for ALS research in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. It increases the employer match requirement for training costs from 25% to 50% and raises maximum grant amounts for training applications. The bill also amends procedures for handling sexual misconduct grievances in postsecondary institutions, ensuring equitable treatment for reporting parties, and introduces protections for pregnant and parenting students. Overall, the legislation seeks to bolster educational resources, support health research, and enhance agricultural practices while ensuring compliance with updated educational standards.

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