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SF 1978

Nondocumented noncitizens ineligibility for state financial aid programs establishment

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julia Coleman and 3 co-sponsors

Minnesota SF 1978 would bar undocumented nondcitizens from state financial aid, cutting access for affected students and forcing agencies to update eligibility rules.

Referred to Higher Education
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Bill Summary · SF 1978

Summary of Minnesota SF 1978 (Nondocumented Noncitizens Ineligibility for State Financial Aid Programs Establishment)

Overview

  • Bill: SF 1978
  • Title: Nondocumented noncitizens ineligibility for state financial aid programs establishment
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education (Senate committee)
  • Introduction date: February 27, 2025
  • Legislative actions: Introduction and first reading on 2025-02-27; referral to the Higher Education committee on the same date
  • Related bill (House companion): HF 1323
  • Subject areas: Education (Higher Education), Immigration

Purpose and intent

SF 1978 would establish that undocumented nondcitizens are ineligible to participate in state financial aid programs. In effect, if enacted, the bill would restrict access to state-funded financial aid for students who are not legally documented as citizens or lawful residents.

Key provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and status)

  • Creates an eligibility criterion that excludes undocumented nondcitizens from receiving state financial aid administered or funded by the state.
  • Sets the framework for how eligibility status would be determined and enforced within state higher education financial aid programs (specific methods and definitions are not detailed in the provided information).
  • Likely affects the administration of financial aid by relevant state agencies and institutions of higher education that administer such programs.

Who would be affected

  • Undocumented nondcitizen students in Minnesota who might otherwise qualify for state financial aid
  • State higher education agencies and departments responsible for administering financial aid programs
  • Postsecondary institutions that participate in or administer state aid programs on behalf of students

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and first read on February 27, 2025
  • Referred to the Senate Higher Education committee for consideration and potential amendment
  • House companion HF 1323 indicates cross-chamber alignment and potential eventual conference or compromise if both chambers move forward

Potential impact and considerations

  • Access to state financial aid: The bill would likely reduce or eliminate eligibility for undocumented nondcitizen students seeking state aid.
  • Enrollment and affordability: Could influence enrollment decisions and affordability for students who rely on state funding.
  • Administrative changes: Agencies and institutions would need to adjust eligibility criteria and eligibility determination processes.
  • Policy and legal considerations: The measure intersects immigration policy with higher education funding, potentially sparking policy debates and legal considerations around eligibility, due process, and whether, how, and when status is verified.

Notes

  • This summary reflects the information available: the bill’s stated purpose, current status, sponsors, and the existence of a House companion. Further details on definitions, enforcement, and fiscal implications would appear in the bill’s text and any committee amendments.

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

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