The bill aims to enhance funding and policy frameworks for higher education in Minnesota, focusing on 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 underrepresented student teachers, alongside establishing a standardized financial aid offer form and modifying sexual misconduct grievance processes. Key provisions include the creation of a Tribal college assistance grant program, a hunger-free campus initiative requiring institutions to maintain food pantries, and the allocation of funds for various educational programs and emergency assistance grants. The bill also specifies that appropriations are available until June 30, 2029, and outlines processes for transferring unencumbered balances between educational programs.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to campus disciplinary proceedings, protections for pregnant and parenting students, and financial aid processes. It mandates that cross-examinations in disciplinary proceedings be conducted by an advisor and establishes a preponderance of evidence standard for sexual misconduct grievances. The bill also requires institutions to provide reasonable modifications for pregnant students and introduces clearer financial aid offer requirements, including explicit labeling of loan types and detailed cost information. Furthermore, it repeals outdated provisions and renumbers sections of Minnesota Statutes to streamline the legal framework governing higher education, ensuring that the system remains responsive to student needs and circumstances.

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