This bill aims to enhance student financial assistance programs in North Dakota by establishing new provisions and amending existing laws related to student loan repayment, scholarships, and grants. It creates a skilled workforce student loan repayment program fund and a skilled workforce scholarship fund, both of which will be continuously appropriated to the state board of higher education. The bill sets eligibility criteria for applicants, including residency requirements for individuals working in high-demand occupations within fifty miles of the state. It also introduces maximum grant amounts and stipulates that individuals receiving other forms of loan forgiveness cannot apply for these grants in the same year. Additionally, a supplemental state grant award will be provided to eligible students with a total family income of no more than $80,000 to help cover tuition costs.

The bill amends Section 15.1-21-02.6 of the North Dakota Century Code to establish scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria for students enrolled in accredited institutions of higher education or registered apprenticeship programs in North Dakota. The state board of higher education will provide scholarships of $750 per semester or $500 per quarter/clock-hour term for eligible students who maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and progress toward program completion. It also includes a provision that scholarships cannot exceed the total cost of attendance when considering all financial aid sources. Furthermore, the bill appropriates $2,000,000 from the general fund for the North Dakota university system office to provide supplemental student financial assistance grants for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, while outlining the monitoring process for scholarship recipients who fail to meet requirements.

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