Committee refers higher-education bill adding $1.5M for enrollment-fraud detection and small Bemidji State tree funding

On April 23, 2026, the Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee considered House File 4252, adopted an amendment to correct an unintended statutory change, and voted to refer the bill to the general register. Representative Vogelmott presented the bill and highlighted two funding items "a 1 time appropriation of $5,000 for trees at the, at Bemidji State University, as well as, $1,500,000 for enrollment fraud identity software to deal with the problem of ghost students."

During questioning, Representative Kotyza-Witthuhn asked for clarification about the "ghost student" problem. Representative Vogelmott explained that fraudsters create online enrollments, apply for financial aid, then drop classes or never attend, which allows them to receive — and keep — financial aid. "Go students are an unfortunate phenomena... people will enroll for a class and then, get apply for financial aid, receive financial aid, and it's all online... as soon as they receive the financial aid, then they drop the class or just stop showing up altogether. Pocket the fraud," Vogelmott said, supporting the requested $1,500,000 for identity-verification software.

The committee also adopted the A18 amendment, which the amendment author said "reverts the process back to the current statute" by deleting a problematic section created during negotiations. Representative Robbins and others thanked committee members for bipartisan work on the higher-education provisions. Representative Scott asked about the small trees appropriation, and Vogelmott said it was intended to help Bemidji State University reestablish trees after storm damage.

After discussion, the chair renewed the motion that House File 4252 as amended be referred to the general register; the committee approved by voice vote. The transcript does not include roll-call tallies.