HF3432

Purpose

To expand access to in-state (resident) tuition for certain people who move to Minnesota for work, and to require public colleges and universities to follow rules that implement this change.

Main Provisions

• The bill changes Minnesota Statutes 135A.043 (Resident Tuition) so that a student can qualify for a resident tuition rate at state universities and colleges if they meet one of two paths:
  • Path 1: Moved to Minnesota for employment purposes
  • Before moving and before applying for admission, the student or, if applicable, the student’s spouse or dependent, must have accepted a full-time job in Minnesota. The bill also covers the case where the student is the spouse or dependent of someone who meets this job requirement.
  • Path 2: Have significant prior connection to Minnesota through schooling
  • The student attended Minnesota high school for three or more years and graduated from a Minnesota high school, or obtained the state-equivalent high school graduation.
  • If the student does not have lawful immigration status, additional documentation is required:
    • Documentation that the student has complied with selective service registration requirements. If a federal process exists to obtain lawful immigration status, the student must show evidence from federal immigration authorities that they have filed an application to obtain status.
• This provision is intended as a minimum requirement and does not replace or reduce any other eligibility rules that might already allow in-state tuition.
• The University of Minnesota Board of Regents is asked to adopt a policy to implement this section.

Immigration and Status Details

• For students without lawful immigration status, the bill requires:
  • Selective service registration compliance.
  • If available, documentation that a federal pathway to lawful status has been initiated (filing an application).
• For students with lawful status or those meeting the employment/move-for-work pathway, no additional immigration-status steps are specified beyond the eligibility paths above.

Implementation and Policy

• The provision is to be implemented by public postsecondary institutions, with the University of Minnesota Board of Regents specifically directed to adopt a policy implementing the section.

Significance and Potential Effects

• Expands access to in-state tuition for:
  • People who relocate to Minnesota for full-time employment (and their spouses or dependents),
  • Students who spent substantial time in Minnesota public schools (three years) and graduated,
  • Some students with complex immigration situations, provided they meet the documented requirements.
• Sets a baseline eligibility that institutions must meet, potentially increasing enrollment by people connected to Minnesota through work or schooling.

Summary of Key Points

• Resident tuition rate or its equivalent at state universities and colleges can be available to new groups.
• Eligibility based on either employment relocation or significant Minnesota schooling.
• Immigration-related documentation required for students without lawful status when applicable.
• Board of Regents, and by extension other public institutions, must adopt implementing policies.

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Relevant Terms - resident tuition - in-state tuition - public postsecondary institution - state universities and colleges - Minnesota high school - three or more years - high school graduation - University of Minnesota - Board of Regents - employment purposes / move to Minnesota for employment - full-time job - spouse or dependent - lawful immigration status - nonimmigrant alien (as referenced in the statute) - selective service registration - documentation - federal immigration status / required filing for status - Minnesota Statutes 135A.043