This bill seeks to improve student financial assistance programs in North Dakota by introducing new provisions and amending existing laws related to skilled workforce student loan repayment, scholarships, and financial aid grants. A significant amendment is the establishment of a skilled workforce student loan repayment program fund, which will provide grants to eligible applicants who have completed educational programs and are employed in high-demand occupations within the state. Additionally, the bill introduces a supplemental state grant for individuals with family incomes below $80,000, ensuring that total financial aid does not exceed tuition costs. It also specifies that scholarships and grants cannot exceed the total cost of attendance when considering all financial aid sources and outlines eligibility criteria, including residency and employment requirements.

Moreover, the bill amends Section 15.1-21-02.6 of the North Dakota Century Code to set scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria for students in accredited higher education institutions or registered apprenticeship programs. The state board of higher education will provide scholarships of $750 per semester or $500 per quarter/clock-hour term for students maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.75. A new provision states that scholarships cannot exceed the total cost of attendance when considering all financial aid sources. The bill also appropriates $2,000,000 from the general fund for supplemental student financial assistance grants for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, while clarifying that students do not need to be enrolled in consecutive terms to receive scholarships, which are valid for six academic years post-high school graduation.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Magrum: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Adopted by the House Education Committee: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Adopted by the Conference Committee: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Enrollment: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6