Omnibus Higher Education policy bill

Eligibility for the American Indian Scholars program was modified to include students who are enrolled members or citizens of federally recognized American Indian Tribes, Canadian First Nations, or Minnesota Tribal Nations, regardless of their resident tuition status.

New requirements were added to protect parenting students from discrimination, including protections against forced withdrawal, limits on study limitations, and mandates for reasonable accommodations and excused absences for childcare needs.

Reporting requirements were updated to include new demographic factors such as socioeconomic status and family type, and to disaggregate data by additional relevant factors for program evaluation.

The definition of 'postsecondary institution' was expanded to include private institutions offering in-person courses in Minnesota, and the definition of 'parenting student' was clarified to include legal guardians and dependents.

The postsecondary attainment goal timeline was extended, targeting 75% credential attainment by the end of the 2040 calendar year for residents aged 24-55, up from the previous 70% target by 2025 for ages 25-44.

Paid blood donation leave was expanded to include employees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, who were previously excluded from this benefit.