Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support economic development by establishing a program that offers free test and professional licensure preparation services. These services are intended for students in public higher education institutions and for individuals who are dislocated workers, helping them prepare for various professional exams.

Main Provisions

• Program Establishment: The bill requires the commissioner to set up and manage a comprehensive program offering free test and professional licensure preparation services.
• Target Audience: The program will be available at no cost to students from public higher education institutions and dislocated workers, defined under Minnesota law.
• Covered Exams: Preparation services will include exams such as the Medical College Admission Test, Law School Admission Test, Graduate Record Examination, Graduate Management Admission Test, as well as professional exams in fields like nursing, teaching, real estate, and securities, among others.

Vendor and Priority

• Procurement: The commissioner must secure a vendor through contracts to provide these preparation services.
• Prioritization: If funds are insufficient, priority will be given to recipients of state grants under section 136A.121.

Reporting Requirements

• An annual report must be submitted by February 15 detailing the program’s effectiveness and impact on student recruitment, retention, and how many students remain in Minnesota post-graduation.
• Institutions participating must supply data to assist in reporting.

Funding

• The bill allocates $5,000,000 in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the workforce development fund to finance the program.

Relevant Terms

• Economic development
• Professional licensure preparation
• Dislocated workers
• Public higher education institutions
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Securities Industry Essentials exam