Wage credits usage by applicants employed by institutions of higher education clarification

This bill clarifies when college and university employees in Minnesota can use past wages to qualify for unemployment benefits during breaks between academic terms. It allows wage credits to be used if there is no reasonable assurance of returning to work, but restricts this for instructional, research, or administrative staff unless they have a written job offer or a contract guaranteeing 50% pay if rehiring doesn't occur. The law also defines which types of employment count as reasonable assurance and specifies that on-call work is treated differently than regular employment. These changes apply to employees at schools, colleges, universities, and related educational service agencies starting July 1, 2026.