SF1041 Summary

• Modifies the Higher Education Advisory Council composition to include the director of the Office of Higher Education and the commissioner of employment and economic development, and clarifies the council reports to the governor and legislature on postsecondary education needs.

• Streamlines residency requirements for Minnesota students by consolidating multiple criteria into four main categories and expanding eligibility for students who relocated due to unusual circumstances including natural disasters, refugee status, or active military service.

• Expands employment data sharing between the commissioner of employment and economic development and the Office of Higher Education to support program improvement and the Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System.

• Establishes procedures for terminating institutions from state financial aid programs for violations, noncompliance, or mismanagement, including a 90-day notice period, hearing rights under chapter 14, and a reinstatement process requiring a 12-month waiting period and successful probation.

• Requires postsecondary schools to provide staff training on financial aid and credit transfer limits, exempts schools providing exclusively free instruction from licensure requirements, and repeals six related administrative rules.