MN HF4517

Commissioner of human services must issue guidance letter by September 1, 2024, clarifying state and federal eligibility requirements for Minnesota public postsecondary institution programs to qualify as state-approved local educational programs that increase employability under SNAP student exemption rules.

Programs meeting eligibility requirements must submit certification applications to the commissioner by January 1, 2025, or within six months of formation if created after that date; applications must list each campus where the program is available.

Commissioner must approve programs meeting eligibility requirements and maintain a public list of approved programs on the department website.

Students enrolled at four-year Minnesota public postsecondary institutions with approved campus-based programs may only receive SNAP benefits if they are eligible for a federal Pell grant.

Commissioner must provide annual reports beginning December 31, 2025, to legislative committees with jurisdiction over higher education and human services detailing approved programs, pending applications, and denied applications, all disaggregated by program name and campus.