MN SF3159

Establishes a 12-member Student Basic Needs Advisory Council with 8 commissioner-appointed members from higher education institutions, bargaining units, and state agencies, plus 4 student representatives from University of Minnesota, Minnesota State universities, state colleges, and private colleges

Council must advise on biennial basic needs assessments, identify best practices for addressing food and housing insecurity, monitor federal and state policy changes, and propose legislative and policy changes affecting student basic needs

Requires the commissioner to conduct a biennial basic needs assessment at all Minnesota postsecondary institutions, evaluating food access, housing stability, affordability, and homelessness using standardized survey instruments including the USDA Food Security Survey Module

Commissioner must submit biennial reports to legislative committees by December 31 of even-numbered years, including assessment results, work plan outcomes, and recommended policy or funding changes

Council members must be appointed by December 31, 2025, with the first meeting convened by January 31, 2026; the council expires June 30, 2033