HF7 - Omnibus Higher Education Bill Summary

• Appropriations and Funding: Provides $271.7-274.3 million annually to the Office of Higher Education, $791.9-789.5 million to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and $692.8 million to the University of Minnesota for fiscal years 2022-2023, plus $1.35 million to Mayo Clinic.

• Student Aid Programs: Establishes new grant programs including Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants for foster care youth (up to 5 years of support), Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarships ($1.5 million), and expands concurrent enrollment grant opportunities for postsecondary institutions.

• Transcript Access Restrictions: Prohibits schools from withholding transcripts for student debt under $250, when students have payment plans, or when requested by employers; requires reporting on transcript hold policies.

• Campus Basic Needs and Food Security: Expands the Hunger-Free Campus Designation to all public and nonprofit institutions; establishes competitive grants for institutions to meet food insecurity and basic needs requirements.

• Other Major Provisions: Increases student loan refinancing limits, modifies teacher shortage loan repayment programs, implements mental health awareness programs at state colleges/universities, establishes Z-Degree programs using open educational resources, and creates a direct admissions pilot program.