HF2454

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to establish a grant program in Minnesota to help recruit and retain law enforcement officers by covering the cost of tuition and fees at public postsecondary educational institutions.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of Grant Program: The bill proposes the creation of a grant program that pays for the full tuition and mandatory fees, after other forms of gift aid are applied, for eligible students attending public colleges or universities.

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be Minnesota residents and meet several educational and financial criteria, such as being enrolled in at least one credit in an undergraduate program and having completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Eligible individuals include current peace officers, their dependent children, or the dependent children of peace officers with total and permanent duty disabilities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Funding and Duration: Scholarships cover 100% of tuition and fees and are renewable each semester, provided the student continues to meet eligibility requirements.

• Special Circumstances: If students withdraw from courses due to active military duty, serious health conditions, or care for a family member with a serious health condition, they may receive additional eligibility time.

• Administration: The office handling the grants will establish application procedures, distribute the funds directly to educational institutions, and work with law enforcement and education boards to promote the program.

Relevant Terms

• Law enforcement officer, tuition and fees, peace officer, public postsecondary educational institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, grant program, FAFSA, dependent child, recruitment, retention, gift aid, education funding.