This bill proposes the elimination of the North Star Promise scholarship program and reallocates its unencumbered balances to the state grant program. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically sections 136A.053 and 136A.84, while repealing section 136A.1465, which pertains to the North Star Promise. The amendments include the removal of references to the North Star Promise in the reporting requirements for the Office of Higher Education, which will now focus solely on the state grant program. The bill also mandates that any unencumbered funds from the North Star Promise special revenue fund account be transferred to the general fund and appropriated for the state grant program by July 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill establishes an effective date for the amendments and repeals, with the changes taking effect the day following final enactment. The reporting requirements for the Office of Higher Education will begin on February 15, 2026, and will include detailed data on the state grant program, such as total funds appropriated, number of applicants and recipients, and demographic data. The bill aims to streamline higher education funding in Minnesota by consolidating resources into the state grant program and eliminating the North Star Promise scholarship.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 136A.053, 136A.84, 136A.1465