HF2431

HF2431 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Higher education policy and finance bill.

Related bill: SF2483

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to enhance funding and implement policy changes for Minnesota higher education institutions, including the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota, and the Mayo Clinic. It also modifies specific scholarship and student aid programs, creates and modifies grant programs, and makes changes to the criteria and processes for student financial aid and institutional eligibility.

Main Provisions

Grant and Scholarship Modifications: The bill updates and expands grant programs such as the Hunger-Free Campus grants, student teacher grants, and various loan forgiveness programs including those for teachers in shortage areas and large animal veterinarians.
Funding Allocations: Specific funds are allocated to different educational initiatives, including intervention programs, student-parent support, and dual training for specific careers.
Institutional Policy Changes: Adjusts policies regarding institutional licensing, eligibility, and participation in federal aid programs.
Office of Higher Education: Provides the Office of Higher Education with authority to manage funds for educational programs and institutes grant programs for higher education institutions.
Special Programs: Introduces programs targeted at supporting diverse student populations, such as emergency assistance for postsecondary students and education initiatives supporting underrepresented student teachers.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Family Responsibility Calculation: Changes in how assigned family responsibilities are calculated for financial aid purposes, now set at 100% of parental contribution for both dependent and independent students.
Eligibility Requirements: Alters the eligibility criteria for institutions to receive state student aid, requiring participation in federal Pell Grant programs and making provisions for the treatment of institutions changing ownership.
Hunger-Free Campus Designation: Redefines the criteria for the Hunger-Free Campus designation, and introduces a grant program to support this initiative, emphasizing partnerships with local food banks and regular campus food distribution.

Relevant Terms

Hunger-Free Campus
Student Loans and Grants
Tribal Colleges
Financial Aid
Pell Grant Program
Tuition Freeze
Workforce Development
Dual Training Grants
Emergency Assistance
Student Teacher Grants
Loan Forgiveness Programs
Institutional Eligibility

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file
Introduction PDF file
1st Engrossment PDF file
2nd Engrossment PDF file
1st Unofficial Engrossment PDF file

Past committee meetings

Ways and Means on: April 23, 2025 00:30
Ways and Means on: April 23, 2025 12:30

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
April 28, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Received from House
March 16, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Higher Education Finance and Policy
April 28, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Received from House
April 20, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to	Ways and Means
April 20, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to	Ways and Means
April 28, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
April 28, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
April 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt as amended
April 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt as amended
April 28, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Rules and Administration
April 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Second reading
April 29, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders
April 29, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders
April 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Second reading
April 29, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Second reading
April 29, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Second reading
April 24, 2025	House	Floor	Action	House rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
April 24, 2025	House	Floor	Action	House rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
April 27, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Amendments offered
April 27, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Amendments offered
April 27, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Amendments offered
April 30, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Special Order: Amended
April 30, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Special Order: Amended
April 30, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Third reading Passed as amended
April 30, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Third reading Passed as amended
April 27, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Third reading
April 27, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Third reading
April 27, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Bill was passed
April 27, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Bill was passed

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Regional transfer provisions for unused appropriations."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This appropriation is to provide educational benefits under Minnesota Statutes section 299A.45.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on eligible dependent children and spouses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "299A.45",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New funding to support increased contribution rates."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This allocation covers costs associated with increased employer contribution rates under section 354B.23 subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustment to contribution frameworks for employers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "354B.23",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of provisions for transferring funds for administration."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Funding for unemployment insurance aid is provided under Minnesota Statutes section 268.193.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated criteria for eligibility of institutions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "268.193",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Fiscal adjustments for tuition coverage in rural areas."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section covers tuition waivers under Minnesota Statutes section 137.16.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated waiver limits for university branches."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "137.16",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allocation for equipment necessary to provide access to menstrual products."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Funds provided to cover supplies for menstrual products under section 135A.1365.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on use of funds for ensuring access."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "135A.1365",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specification of grants adjustments for fiscal years 2026 and 2027."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Provisions for workforce development scholarships are discussed under Minnesota Statutes section 136F.38.",
      "modified": [
        "Eligibility criteria updated for scholarship allocations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "136F.38",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]