Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support economic development by providing free test and professional licensure preparation services. These services are intended for students at public higher education institutions and dislocated workers in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Program Establishment: A comprehensive test and professional licensure preparation program will be created and administered by the state's commissioner. The program will be available at no cost to eligible students and dislocated workers.

• Preparation Services: The program will offer preparation for various examinations such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), among others. It will also cover professional exams in fields like nursing, teaching, real estate, securities, and law.

• Vendor Procurement: The commissioner will contract with an appropriate vendor to deliver these services.

• Funding Priority: If there is insufficient funding to meet all needs, priority may be given to students who are recipients of a state grant.

• Reporting Requirements: An annual report must be submitted by February 15th to legislative committees overseeing higher education finance and policy. This report should assess the program’s recruitment, retention effectiveness, student retention in Minnesota post-graduation, participation statistics, and financial projections for the future.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill proposes the creation of new statutory provisions under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 116J, specifically 116J.9927, marking the establishment of a state-supported program for test and professional licensure preparation. An appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the workforce development fund is proposed to support the program's implementation.

Relevant Terms

• Economic development
• Test preparation
• Professional licensure
• Dislocated workers
• Public higher education institutions
• Educational funding
• Workforce development fund
• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 116J