SF2495

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to improve financial support for students pursuing higher education in Minnesota. It does this by increasing the living expenses allowance for the state grant program and establishing a new scholarship, the State Grant Plus, to provide additional financial aid.

Main Provisions

1. Increased Allowance for Living Expenses:

   • The bill increases the living and miscellaneous expense allowance for state grant recipients from 115% to 121% of the federal poverty guidelines for a one-person household over nine months.

2. State Grant Plus Scholarship:

   • The State Grant Plus scholarship is introduced to further assist students who are already receiving a state grant.
   • Eligible students must not qualify for the North Star Promise scholarship and must be enrolled in at least one credit at a recognized Minnesota postsecondary institution.
   • The award for the State Grant Plus is set at 25% of the student's state grant award. However, this amount may be adjusted based on available funding.

3. Grant Administration:

   • Scholarships are awarded for one semester and can be renewed if eligibility criteria continue to be met.
   • Students can receive funding for up to four semesters for an associate degree or certificate and eight semesters for a bachelor's degree.
   • The funds will be paid directly to the institution where the student is enrolled.

4. Reporting Requirements:

   • The commissioner must submit an annual report detailing the distribution and impact of the State Grant Plus scholarship, including demographic data, to the relevant legislative committees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill amends Minnesota Statutes (2024) section 136A.121 subdivision 6 by increasing the living expense allowance.
• A new section is proposed under Minnesota Statutes chapter 136A to establish the State Grant Plus scholarship.

Relevant Terms

• Higher education
• State grant program
• State Grant Plus scholarship
• Living expenses allowance
• Federal poverty guidelines
• North Star Promise scholarship