Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to establish a Campus Closure and Consolidation Commission. This commission is tasked with evaluating postsecondary campuses within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to determine which campuses should be closed or consolidated.

Main Provisions

• Commission Establishment: The bill creates a commission composed of eight members appointed by the governor. These members must have expertise in areas like postsecondary education, demographic research, capital construction, or public finance.

• Membership and Leadership: No elected officials or current employees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities can serve on the commission. The commission will elect a chair, vice-chair, and any other necessary officers from among its members.

• Evaluation Duties: The commission must review each campus using factors such as operational costs, capital expenses, enrollment trends, job placement rates, graduation rates, and program reputation. Importantly, input from faculty and staff unions is required regarding the impact of potential closures or consolidations.

• Public Meetings: The commission’s meetings must be open to the public, complying with Minnesota’s open meeting laws, and may utilize interactive technology.

• Reporting and Approval Process: By December 1, 2026, the commission must submit a report to the governor detailing recommended campus closures or consolidations, supporting reasoning, draft legislation for these actions, and cost estimates for repurposing closed campus facilities. The governor has until December 31, 2026, to approve or disapprove the recommendations, which will then potentially be included in the biennial budget.

• Legislative Action: If approved, legislative committees must hold public hearings on the commission's recommendations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill creates a new statutory framework under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 136F, primarily concerned with the potential closure or consolidation of state-administered postsecondary educational campuses. It introduces structural changes in how decisions are made regarding campus operations within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Relevant Terms

• Campus closure
• Campus consolidation
• Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
• Postsecondary education
• Commission
• Governor approval
• Biennial budget
• Public hearings
• Legislative committees