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, while establishing a standardized financial aid offer form and modifying sexual misconduct grievance processes. Key provisions include the requirement for postsecondary institutions to provide emergency assistance grants directly to students and the employment of a knowledgeable individual in American Indian culture to assist with scholarships and financial aid. The bill also emphasizes the importance of reporting on fund distribution and program effectiveness, particularly for students of color, aiming to improve access to higher education and support for students.

Additionally, the bill proposes various appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, including funding for workforce development scholarships, emergency assistance grants, and hunger-free campus activities. It outlines new requirements for postsecondary institutions regarding the maintenance of opiate antagonists and establishes a sexual misconduct grievance process with specific procedural protections. The bill amends definitions related to pregnant and parenting students, ensuring their rights and protections within postsecondary institutions, and introduces changes to the financial aid offer process to enhance transparency. Furthermore, it includes amendments to licensing requirements and fees for private career schools, aiming to strengthen the regulatory framework for postsecondary education in Minnesota. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline higher education statutes while ensuring essential support programs for students remain intact.

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