SF2483

SF2483 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Omnibus Higher Education policy and appropriations

Related bill: HF2431

AI Generated Summary

This bill, S.F. No. 2483, is an appropriations and policy-related act concerning higher education in Minnesota. It allocates funding for various educational programs and policy changes for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic, and the Office of Higher Education.

Key Provisions:

1. Funding Allocations for Higher Education (Article 1 - Appropriations)

State Grants: ~$370 million/year (2026-2027) for need-based financial aid.
Tribal College Grants: Includes supplemental assistance for tribal colleges.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Funding for programs such as Indian Scholarships, North Star Promise, and emergency assistance for students.
Workforce Development & Loan Forgiveness Programs:
- Student teachers, large animal veterinarians, agricultural educators, and aviation degree loan forgiveness programs receive targeted funding.
Institutional Funding:
- Investments in the University of Minnesota Medical School, mental health services, and student support.
- Expansion of open educational resources, student retention programs, and unemployment insurance aid.
Campus Health & Safety: Grants for sexual violence prevention, hunger-free campus programs, and menstrual product access.

2. Policy Changes Affecting Higher Education (Article 2 - Higher Education Provisions)

Institutional Eligibility for State Aid:
- Schools must either participate in federal Pell Grants or meet new alternative eligibility criteria.
Modification to Student Financial Aid Calculations:
- The assigned family responsibility for financial aid eligibility is increased to 100% of a student or parent's contribution.
- The assigned student responsibility increases from 50% to 51%.
Changes to Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program:
- Expands eligibility and increases funding allocation for food security initiatives on campuses.
Administrative Authority Changes:
- The Office of Higher Education gains more flexibility in budgeting and retaining grant funds.

This bill involves significant investment in student financial aid, institutional funding, and educational initiatives aimed at improving affordability, accessibility, and student success in higher education.

Bill text versions

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

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 12, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Higher Education
March 12, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Higher Education
April 21, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to	Finance
April 21, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to	Finance
April 28, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: To pass as amended
April 28, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: To pass as amended
April 28, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Second reading
April 28, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Second reading
	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Rules and Administration
April 29, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders
April 29, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Rule 45-amend, subst. General Orders

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "The bill appropriates funds to support these educational benefits."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill provides educational benefits to eligible dependent children and spouses of public safety officers killed in the line of duty under section 299A.45.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "299A.45",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Funding is included for hiring personnel to assist students with scholarships."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill includes amendments regarding the American Indian Scholarship Program which falls under section 136A.126.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "136A.126",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allocates funds for administration of unemployment insurance aid."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill involves unemployment insurance aid to Tribal colleges under section 268.193.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "268.193",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references changes in employer contribution rates for the higher education individual retirement account plan under section 354B.23, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Increases employer contribution rates."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "354B.23",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Appropriations for menstrual products."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill requires institutions to provide supplies and equipment necessary under section 135A.1365.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "135A.1365",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Continued eligibility for institutions offering graduate-level programs if they meet specific criteria."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Some previous requirements for Pell Grant participation."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends institution eligibility requirements for state student aid programs under section 136A.103.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "136A.103",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]