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HF4696

Authority for state-level implementation of federal Workforce Pell Grants provided.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

The bill creates state-level authority in Minnesota to implement federal Workforce Pell Grants. It would add a process under Minnesota law to identify and approve training programs that qualify for Pell Grants and align them with Minnesota’s workforce needs, focusing on programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations.

Main provisions

  • Subd.1. Definitions

    • Eligible workforce training program: a training program that meets the federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements.
    • Governor’s Workforce Development Board: the state board established to oversee workforce development.
    • High-skill industry sector or occupation: sectors or jobs that require postsecondary education, training, or experience beyond a high school diploma.
    • High-wage industry sector or occupation: sectors or jobs with earnings above 150% of the federal poverty level for an individual earner.
    • Indemand industry sector or occupation: sectors or occupations identified as growing, emerging, or having projected shortages or hiring demand in state, regional, or local data.

  • Subd.2. Governor’s duty to approve programs

    • The governor, in consultation with the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, would approve eligible workforce training programs for Pell Grants if the program prepares students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sectors.

  • Subd.3. Board’s duties

    • The Governor’s Workforce Development Board would establish the process for institutions to apply for Pell Grant approval and for appealing denials.
    • The board would coordinate program approval with other state and federal workforce programs (including WIOA and the Perkins Act).
    • Programs seeking approval would be required to provide verifiable data showing outcomes such as completion rates, job placement rates, and earnings, as determined by the board.

  • Subd.4. Compliance with federal law

    • The section must be interpreted and applied consistently with applicable federal laws governing the Workforce Pell Grant program. If any provision conflicts with federal law, federal law governs.

What this changes and aims to accomplish

  • Establishes a formal state-level framework to participate in the federal Pell Grant program for workforce training.
  • Creates an approval and oversight process to ensure funded programs prepare students for in-demand or high-need occupations.
  • Increases accountability by requiring outcome data (completion, placement, earnings) for programs seeking Pell Grant eligibility.
  • Aligns Minnesota’s Pell Grant activities with related federal programs (WIOA and Perkins Act) to coordinate funding and strategy.

Practical impact

  • Students in Minnesota may gain access to Pell Grants for training programs that are vetted and approved under this state process.
  • Institutions would need to apply for approval and demonstrate positive outcomes to maintain eligibility.
  • The state would ensure Pell Grant-funded programs target labor markets with strong demand and potential for good wages.

Potential considerations

  • The definitions of high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand sectors will influence which programs qualify.
  • Ongoing data collection and reporting requirements will be essential for program approval and continuation of Pell Grant eligibility.

Relevant Terms

  • Workforce Pell Grants
  • eligible workforce training program
  • Governor’s Workforce Development Board
  • high-skill industry sector or occupation
  • high-wage industry sector or occupation
  • indemand industry sector or occupation
  • federal Workforce Pell Grant program
  • Public Law 119-21 (federal Pell Grant reference)
  • United States Code title 29, chapter 32 (WIOA)
  • United States Code title 20, chapter 44 (Perkins Career and Technical Education Act)
  • completion rates
  • job placement rates
  • earnings

Relevant Terms - Workforce Pell Grants - eligible workforce training program - Governor’s Workforce Development Board - high-skill industry sector or occupation - high-wage industry sector or occupation - in-demand industry sector or occupation - completion rates - job placement rates - earnings - WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) - Perkins Act (Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act) - federal Pell Grant program - Public Law 119-21

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 25, 2026HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toWorkforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) under USC title 29 chapter 32 as the federal framework for coordinating workforce development programs.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "United States Code title 29 chapter 32",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act under USC title 20 chapter 44 as part of the federal framework for eligible workforce training programs.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "United States Code title 20 chapter 44",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites Public Law 119-21, section 83002(b), related to Workforce Pell Grants.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "Public Law 119-21 § 83002(b)",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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