This bill pertains to higher education policies and procedures in Minnesota, focusing on updates to sexual misconduct grievance procedures, student aid, and institutional grants. It requires amendments to existing Minnesota statutes and repeals certain provisions.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Sexual Misconduct Grievance Procedures:

  • Postsecondary institutions must ensure an impartial, timely, and thorough investigation of sexual misconduct reports.
  • Institutions must take steps to prevent recurrence and remedy effects if misconduct is found.
  • Academic and residential support measures must be equitably offered to both reporting and responding parties.
  • Institutions must allow both parties to present evidence, provide a fair hearing, and permit questioning of credibility.
  • Institutions must appoint decision-makers separate from the investigator to assess credibility and determine outcomes.
  • The grievance process must continue concurrently with criminal investigations if requested by the reporting party.
  • Guidelines regarding the relevance of sexual history and the use of mental health information are specified.
  • Institutions must use the preponderance of the evidence standard in cases involving students.
  • Involved parties must be notified simultaneously of outcomes, with mental health resources provided.
  • Delivery of case outcomes must be done in a timely manner, ensuring access to support services and avoiding weekends or holidays.
  • Retaliation against any involved party is strictly prohibited.

• Other Higher Education Policy and Technical Changes:

  • Amendments and repeals of existing statutes related to student aid and grants.
  • Enhanced reporting requirements from institutions.

The bill aims to strengthen protections for students involved in sexual misconduct cases, ensure fairness in disciplinary proceedings, and improve institutional accountability in handling such grievances.