Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support workforce development by promoting diversity in legal education and careers. It focuses on helping Black undergraduate students in Minnesota explore law school opportunities and prepare for legal careers.

Main Provisions

• Funding: The bill allocates $350,000 for the fiscal year 2026 and another $350,000 for the fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund. This funding is designated for a grant to the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers.

• Program Activities: The grant is intended to create a program that:

  1. Enrolls Black students who are full-time undergraduates at baccalaureate degree-granting institutions in Minnesota.
  2. Provides an academic scholarship of $4,000 per year to each student in the program.
  3. Organizes events and programming, including one-on-one mentoring, to educate students about law school and legal careers.
  4. Offers free LSAT preparation materials, academic support, and registration for the LSAT exam to program participants.

Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces new appropriations specifically for supporting Black undergraduate students aiming for law school, which were not previously mandated.

Reporting Requirements

• The Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers must report annually by January 30, 2026, and January 30, 2027, to the commissioner of employment and economic development. These reports should detail the program's outcomes, financials, and use of state funds.

Relevant Terms

• Workforce development
• Legal education
• Diversity in law
• Scholarships
• LSAT preparation
• Mentoring
• Black Minnesota undergraduates