Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to support Black undergraduate students in Minnesota who are interested in attending law school and pursuing legal careers. It seeks to provide financial and educational resources to help these students prepare for law school.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill allocates $350,000 in both fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's workforce development fund. This money will be given to the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers.
• Program Support: The funds are to be used for a program that supports Black Minnesota residents attending a full-time baccalaureate program. Each student in the program will receive a $4,000 scholarship per academic year.
• Educational and Professional Development: The program will include one-on-one mentoring, academic support, and events to introduce students to law school and legal careers. It will also provide free test preparation materials and cover registration costs for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Significant Changes

This bill introduces a new grant-supported program specifically for Black undergraduates in Minnesota. It mandates the implementation of targeted resources and support systems to increase access to legal education and careers for these students.

Reporting Requirements

• The Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers is required to report the outcomes and financial details of the program by January 30, 2026, and again by January 30, 2027. This report must include the use of the appropriated state funds, outcomes achieved, and a detailed account of revenues and expenses.

Relevant Terms

• Workforce development
• Law school preparation
• Black undergraduate students
• Legal careers
• Scholarships
• LSAT preparation
• Mentoring and academic support
• Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers