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SF2931 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Law enforcement grant program establishment and appropriation

Related bill: HF2454

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish a grant program aimed at recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers in Minnesota. This program will offer financial assistance by covering the tuition and fees for eligible students attending public postsecondary institutions who meet certain criteria.

Main Provisions

  • Grant Program Establishment: The bill introduces a grant program that will pay for the tuition and fees at public colleges and universities in Minnesota for eligible students.
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Applicants must be residents of Minnesota and either graduates of a secondary school or equivalent, or at least 17 years old and eligible for college admission.
    • Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a state aid application and be enrolled in at least one credit in an undergraduate program.
    • There are restrictions on academic history, including not holding a baccalaureate degree and having enrolled in fewer than 12 semesters.
    • Applicants must be in good standing with any federal or state educational loans and child support payments and must not have a criminal record involving fraud to obtain federal aid.
    • Eligible students must be either currently employed as peace officers, or be the dependent children of peace officers, including those who have been permanently disabled on duty.
    • Specific requirements for peace officers include enrollment in a related field such as criminal justice or law enforcement.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Tuition Coverage: The grant provides financial coverage equal to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees after accounting for any other financial aid, also known as gift aid.
  • Duration and Renewal: Scholarships are awarded for one academic term and can be renewed if the student remains eligible. Additional terms may be granted under special circumstances like active military duty or serious health conditions.

Administration

  • The program is administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, which will set forth the application process and manage the scholarship funds. Grants are paid directly to the educational institutions.

Funding

  • The bill appropriates funds from the general state budget for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to cover the costs of the grant program.

Relevant Terms

  • Law enforcement grants
  • Tuition and fees
  • Public postsecondary educational institutions
  • FAFSA
  • Peace officer
  • Minnesota Office of Higher Education
  • Criminal justice program

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHigher Education
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 353.656 regarding conditions qualifying for benefits related to total and permanent duty disability.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "353.656"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 626.84 multiple times to define terms such as 'law enforcement agency' and 'peace officer.'",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "626.84"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 518A.69 in relation to written payment agreements for court-ordered child support arrearages.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "518A.69"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 190.05 in relation to the definition of active military service.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "190.05"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references the federal Code of Federal Regulations title 34 section 668.32 concerning crimes involving fraud in obtaining federal Title IV funds.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "34 CFR 668.32"
  }
]

Sponsors