This bill seeks to improve student financial assistance programs in North Dakota by establishing new provisions and amending existing laws related to skilled workforce student loan repayment, scholarships, and financial aid 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 outlines eligibility criteria for applicants, including residency requirements and limits on the total financial assistance that can be received, specifying that applicants must reside and work in North Dakota or within fifty miles of the state in eligible high-demand occupations. Additionally, it introduces a supplemental state grant for individuals with a total family income of no more than $80,000 to help cover tuition costs.

The bill also amends Section 15.1-21-02.6 of the North Dakota Century Code to set scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria for students enrolled in accredited institutions or registered apprenticeship programs in the state. Eligible students can receive scholarships of $750 per semester or $500 per quarter/clock-hour term, provided they maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and make progress toward program completion. The state board of higher education is prohibited from issuing scholarships that exceed the total cost of attendance when considering all financial aid sources. Furthermore, the bill 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