MN SF4430

Establishes a paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education to provide up to 600 scholarships to students entering paramedic programs by 2025.

Eligible students must be Minnesota residents, attend accredited postsecondary institutions with nationally accredited paramedic degree or diploma programs, and submit an affidavit affirming intent to work as a paramedic in Minnesota after graduation; each student may receive scholarships no more than twice.

Scholarships are valued at $5,000 each, paid in a lump sum directly to the institution, with first awards distributed in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Appropriates $3,200,000 in fiscal year 2023, consisting of $3,000,000 for scholarships, $100,000 for program promotion and recruitment, and $100,000 for administration.

Requires reports to the legislature by February 1, 2024 and 2025 on program outcomes, eligible institutions, paramedic labor demand, and scholarship award data; the program expires June 30, 2025.