Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to address the basic needs of college students in Minnesota, such as food and housing insecurity, through the establishment of a Student Basic Needs Advisory Council. It seeks to ensure that student welfare is actively monitored and improved by recommending appropriate policy and legislative actions.

Main Provisions

• Student Basic Needs Advisory Council: The bill establishes this council to advise and assist in addressing student food and housing insecurity.
• Council Composition: The council will have 12 members, including representatives from various Minnesota colleges and student organizations, with both student and non-student members.
• Council Duties: Responsibilities include advising on basic needs assessments, recommending policy changes, proposing legislative actions, and identifying best practices to address food and housing insecurity among Minnesota students.
• Biennial Basic Needs Assessment: Conducted every two years, this assessment will identify key areas of student need and track access to food and housing.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The creation of a new advisory body and a recurring assessment process represents a proactive step in student welfare, which is not currently formalized in this way within Minnesota law.
• Establishes a formal structure for ongoing monitoring, reporting, and legislative recommendation to better address student needs in higher education.

Reporting and Support

• The council will provide a report every two years summarizing trends, challenges, and policy recommendations.
• The commissioner can seek private and federal funding to support these activities.

Relevant Terms

• Student Basic Needs Advisory Council
• Food Insecurity
• Housing Insecurity
• Biennial Basic Needs Assessment
• Postsecondary Institutions
• Legislative Actions