This bill aims to enhance higher education in Minnesota through a series of funding and policy changes that affect the Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Minnesota. It introduces new scholarship and student aid programs, modifies existing grant programs, and updates reporting requirements. Key provisions include the establishment of a standardized financial aid offer form, adjustments to sexual misconduct grievance processes, and the allocation of funds for initiatives such as support for Tribal colleges, emergency assistance grants for students, and programs to improve retention and completion rates for students of color. Significant appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 are outlined, including funding for workforce development scholarships, emergency assistance grants, and hunger-free campus activities.

Additionally, the bill amends various statutes related to financial aid and grant programs, introducing new requirements for financial aid offer forms and clarifying definitions related to financial aid. It establishes a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Enrollment Fraud Working Group to develop policies to prevent fraudulent enrollment in online courses and introduces grant programs for law enforcement recruitment and retention. The bill also includes provisions for student loan counseling, aviation degree loan forgiveness, and teacher shortage loan repayment programs. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve access to higher education, support students facing financial challenges, and enhance educational resources across the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 135A.052, 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.87, 136A.901, 137.022, 137.375, 151.37, 474A.061