This bill focuses on enhancing funding and policy changes for higher education in Minnesota, specifically targeting 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 reports on emergency assistance grants and hunger-free campus activities. The bill allocates funds for initiatives such as the intervention for college attendance program and support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Notably, it mandates that postsecondary institutions provide emergency assistance grants directly to students and requires annual reports on the distribution and impact of these grants.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes related to financial aid, campus disciplinary proceedings, and private career schools. It introduces new requirements for handling sexual misconduct cases, including a grievance process that ensures dignity and respect for all parties involved. The bill also revises the financial aid offer process to enhance transparency and accessibility, including clearer labeling of loan types and supplemental information for students with dependents. Furthermore, it establishes a paramedic scholarship program and outlines new guidelines for private career schools, including increased licensing fees and refund policies. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to higher education and support systems while ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of appropriated funds.

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
2nd 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
1st Unofficial 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, 137.375, 151.37, 474A.061