This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish new eligibility requirements for the North Star Promise scholarship program. Key changes include the introduction of a residency and employment requirement, mandating that scholarship recipients must reside and work in Minnesota for five years following the completion of their degree or credential program. If recipients fail to meet this requirement, their scholarship will be converted into a student loan. Additionally, the bill limits scholarship eligibility to students enrolled in programs of study that are deemed to lead to employment in high-demand industries, as determined by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The bill also outlines specific conditions for scholarship eligibility, including the completion of the FAFSA, a family income cap of $80,000, and a requirement to sign a contract agreeing to the residency and employment terms. Furthermore, it mandates that the Office of Higher Education will regularly review and update the list of eligible programs and in-demand occupations. The commissioner of higher education is tasked with reporting on the program's details, including the number of eligible students and their demographic data, starting in 2025. The act is set to take effect the day after final enactment, applying to scholarship awards beginning in the fall term of the 2027-2028 academic year.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 136A.1465