The "Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act" aims to enhance student and staff safety in Minnesota schools by mandating that each school district's long-term facilities maintenance plan includes a safe schools plan. This plan must identify physical modifications to improve safety at each school site, in addition to existing requirements for health and safety programs. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 123B.595, subdivision 4, to incorporate these new safety measures and establishes a timeline for plan approval, effective for submissions made on or after August 1, 2025.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates funds for school security grants to be administered by the commissioner of public safety, allowing school districts and charter schools to apply for financial assistance to implement comprehensive security systems. The Minnesota School Safety Center will rank grant applications based on proposed security plans and ensure that funds are distributed equitably across the state. The legislation outlines specific components that may be included in the security systems, such as bullet-resistant doors, emergency communication systems, and training for staff. This one-time appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, and aims to bolster the overall safety infrastructure within Minnesota's educational facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 123B.595