1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to higher education; allowing waivers to the policy setting semester 
1.3 	credit requirements;amending Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, section 4, 
1.4 	subdivision 3.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, section 4, subdivision 3, is amended to 
1.7 	read:

1.8	Subd. 3.Board Policies
 					
1.9 	(a) The board must adopt a policy that allows 
1.10 	students to add the cost of textbooks and 
1.11 	required course materials purchased at a 
1.12 	campus bookstore, owned by or operated 
1.13 	under a contract with the campus, to the 
1.14 	existing waivers or payment plans for tuition 
1.15 	and fees.
1.16 	(b) By January 1, 2009, the board must adopt 
1.17 	a policy setting the maximum number of 
1.18 	semester credits required for a baccalaureate 
1.19 	degree at 120 semester credits or the 
1.20 	equivalent and the number of semester 
1.21 	credits required for an associate degree at 60 
1.22 	semester credits or the equivalent. The board 
1.23 	policy may provide for a process for granting 
1.24 	waivers for specific degree programs in 
2.1 	which industry or professional accreditation 
2.2 	standards require a greater number of 
2.3 	semester credits. The board policy may 
2.4 	also provide a process for granting waivers 
2.5 	for emerging and innovative programs and 
2.6 	programs of special merit or need.

2.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.