DREAM Act Passes State Senate

ST. PAUL (AP) - The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill that extends in-state public college tuition rates to children of people who are not in the country legally.

The bill often called the "DREAM Act" passed by a 41-23 vote on Wednesday. A handful of Republicans joined Democrats to pass it.

The Senate previously passed the bill twice but ran into opposition from former Gov. Tim Pawlenty. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Sandy Pappas, says Gov. Mark Dayton is a strong supporter and that she is hoping House members support adding it to a larger higher education policy bill.

Later on Wednesday a coalition of groups advocating changes to state and federal immigration laws are rallying at Minnesota's Capitol.