SF 4638 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Omnibus Higher Education supplemental appropriations

This bill allocates $131 million from the state's general fund to support Minnesota's state grant program for higher education in fiscal year 2027. The funding is designated as a one-time appropriation and will be managed by the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education. This measure directly affects students receiving state financial aid and the institutions administering the grant program. The legislation provides additional resources without specifying how the funds will be distributed among recipients.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 23, 2026 Last action Apr 14, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduction → 1st Engrossment · 5 edits · Apr 14, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was amended from its introduction to its first engrossment, significantly expanding its scope and adding new provisions. The primary changes include the creation of a new student persistence grant program to support at-risk students, the requirement for public high schools to participate in a direct admissions program by default, and an extension of the expiration date for several existing statutes from 2027 to 2032.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include a new student persistence grant program and mandatory participation in the direct admissions program for public high schools, in addition to the original funding for the Office of Higher Education and University of Minnesota.

FISCAL

Added $900,000 in one-time funding for a new student persistence grant program to support students at risk of not completing their degrees.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for public high schools to participate in the direct admissions program by default, with an exemption process available for school boards.

Added detailed requirements for grant recipients to implement structured support models, including individualized coaching and data tracking for student persistence.

TIMELINE

Extended the expiration date for multiple existing statutes, including the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act, from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2032.

ELIGIBILITY

Established specific eligibility criteria for the new persistence grant program, prioritizing low-income students and those in the 'academic middle' (e.g., GPAs around 2.5 or higher).

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 14, 2026

Upper · Passed

Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Finance

upper

Mar 23, 2026

Committee

Referred to Higher Education

upper

Mar 23, 2026

Introduced

Introduction and first reading

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors