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HF 2991

Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers grant funding provided for a program for Black Minnesota undergraduates exploring law school and legal careers, report required, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cedrick Frazier

HF 2991 creates a state-funded program giving Black Minnesota undergrads scholarships, LSAT prep, and mentoring to help them enter law school.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 2991

Summary of HF 2991 (Minnesota 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

HF 2991 proposes to create a targeted grant program funded by the Workforce Development Fund to support Black Minnesota undergraduate students pursuing admission to law school. The bill establishes a formal grant to the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL) to administer a program that provides scholarships, mentoring, and LSAT-related support, with required reporting on program outcomes and finances.

Key provisions

  • Funding and grant recipient

    • Annual appropriation: $350,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $350,000 in fiscal year 2027.
    • Source: Workforce Development Fund.
    • Grant recipient: Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL).

  • Program participants and enrollment

    • Target: Black Minnesota resident students.
    • Eligibility: Enrolled full-time at a Minnesota baccalaureate-degree-granting postsecondary institution.

  • Student support components

    • Academic scholarship: $4,000 per student per academic year.
    • Mentoring and programming: One-on-one mentoring and events designed to familiarize students with law school and legal careers.
    • LSAT preparation: Free LSAT test preparation materials, academic support, and LSAT registration.

  • Allowable uses of grant funds (for MABL)

    • Student scholarships.
    • Academic events and programming (including food and transportation costs for students).
    • LSAT preparation materials, courses, and registrations.
    • Hiring staff to administer and run the program.

  • Reporting and accountability

    • MABL must submit reports to:
    • Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
    • Chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over workforce development and policy
    • Due dates: January 30, 2026 and January 30, 2027.
    • Reports must detail:
    • Accurate and detailed description of the program
    • Program outcomes
    • Revenues and expenses, including use of all state funds appropriated under the bill

Who is affected

  • Direct beneficiaries: Black undergraduate students in Minnesota who participate in the MABL-administered program.
  • Institutions and organizations: Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, DEED, and Minnesota public colleges/universities hosting eligible students.
  • Policymakers and oversight: Legislative committees with jurisdiction over workforce development and policy receive written evaluations of program results and financials.

Timelines and procedural notes

  • Introductory status: Introduced and referred to the appropriate committees on April 1, 2025.
  • Reporting deadlines: January 30, 2026 (first report) and January 30, 2027 (second report) to DEED and relevant legislative chairs/members.
  • Effective period: The appropriations cover fiscal years 2026 and 2027, contingent on passage of the act.

Overall impact

HF 2991 aims to increase pathways for Black Minnesota undergraduates into law school and legal careers by providing financial support (scholarships and LSAT prep), mentoring, and structured programming, while ensuring transparency through periodic reporting on fundraising and program outcomes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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