HF2710

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance economic development by offering test and professional licensure preparation services. It targets students in public higher education institutions and dislocated workers, assisting them in achieving professional qualifications without financial burden.

Main Provisions

• Free Test Prep Services: Establishes a program providing free test preparation for various entrance and professional exams. These include the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and other exams pertinent to professions like nursing, teaching, real estate, securities, and law.
• Vendor Contracts: The commissioner is tasked with selecting vendors to deliver these preparation services.
• Priority in Funding: In case of limited funds, priority for these services can be given to students who receive state grants.
• Annual Reporting: The commissioner must report annually to legislative committees on the program's effectiveness, including participation numbers and retention statistics for students in Minnesota.
• Institutional Cooperation: Participating institutions are required to provide necessary data to aid in program reporting.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a new section (116J.9927) in Minnesota Statutes, expanding the scope of economic development support through educational and professional advancement.
• Allocates $10 million over two fiscal years from the workforce development fund to support this initiative.

Relevant Terms

• Economic development, test preparation, licensure, public higher education institutions, dislocated workers, state grants, workforce development fund, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, nursing, securities, law.