This bill aims to enhance higher education in Minnesota through a series of funding initiatives and policy changes affecting 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 introduction of a tuition and fee maximum for four-year programs. The bill allocates funds for initiatives supporting student parents, addressing food insecurity, and providing emergency assistance grants, with specific appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Office of Higher Education to employ a coordinator for campus sexual violence prevention and response, and it outlines the establishment of a hunger-free campus initiative. It includes provisions for the transfer of unencumbered balances between appropriations to ensure effective fund utilization. The legislation also introduces new requirements for financial aid offer forms, including estimated net prices and detailed loan information, while amending existing statutes to clarify financial aid calculations and enhance the missions of public postsecondary institutions. Overall, the bill seeks to improve access to higher education, support student needs, and promote health and safety within Minnesota's higher education system.

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