Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to address the basic needs of students in higher education in Minnesota, focusing particularly on issues such as food and housing insecurity.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of the Student Basic Needs Advisory Council:

  • This council will have 12 members with diverse representation from various educational institutions and student organizations. Eight members will be non-students appointed by the commissioner, including representatives from universities and colleges, and four will be students from different student organizations.

• Duties of the Advisory Council:

  • Advise on biennial basic needs assessments to gauge student needs.
  • Implement recommendations from previous legislative reports.
  • Develop a work plan to support students facing housing and food insecurity.
  • Identify and promote best practices and policy changes related to students' basic needs.
  • Provide legislative proposals and advice to improve students' access to essential resources.

• Biennial Student Basic Needs Assessment:

  • Conducted every two years, the assessment will evaluate food and housing insecurity among students at postsecondary institutions across Minnesota. It will incorporate recognized survey instruments and can be adapted as necessary.

Significant Changes

• Reporting Requirements:

  • By December 31 of each even-numbered year, a report summarizing the results of assessments and proposed changes will be submitted to relevant legislative committees.

• Funding and Support:

  • The commissioner can seek external funding to support the council's activities, including research and implementing best practices.

• Expiration and Terms:

  • The council is set to expire in 2033, with specific terms for members: two years for non-students and one year for students, with transitional terms for initial non-student members.

Relevant Terms

• Higher education
• Student basic needs
• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Advisory council
• Postsecondary institutions
• Biennial assessment