Mandatory Student Activity Fees Referendum

Subdivision 1. Referendum. The governing body of a public postsecondary institution must not increase mandatory student activity fees by greater than two percent relative to the previous academic year unless the increase is approved by a majority of students voting in a campus referendum. This section does not apply to fees paid by students that are directly related to academic, administrative, health services, or debt obligations, including bonds issued under sections 136F.90 to 136F.98. The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is requested to adopt a policy implementing this section. Subd. 2. Penalty. If the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota increases mandatory student activity fees by more than two percent without approval by a vote of the student body as described in subdivision 1, the commissioner of management and budget shall deduct from the university's appropriation base an amount equal to one percent of the university's appropriation base in the first year of the next biennium.