The bill proposes comprehensive amendments to higher education provisions in Minnesota, focusing on enhancing sexual misconduct grievance procedures, supporting pregnant and parenting students, and establishing new reporting requirements for educational programs. Key changes include the implementation of impartial investigations for sexual misconduct cases, equitable support for all parties involved, and protections against retaliation for participants. Institutions will be required to provide timely notifications regarding grievance outcomes and ensure specific rights for pregnant and parenting students, such as reasonable accommodations and the ability to maintain academic standing during pregnancy-related absences.

Additionally, the bill introduces a grant program dedicated to spinal cord and traumatic brain injury research, allocating funds equally between the two areas. It allows the commissioner to accept additional funding from public and private sources and expands eligibility for grant applications to include postsecondary institutions, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations. The bill also includes provisions for renumbering certain Minnesota Statutes related to student-parent support and inclusive higher education, while repealing outdated statutes and reporting requirements to streamline the legislative framework surrounding higher education and research funding.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 135A.15, 135A.1582, 136A.246, 136A.87, 136A.901