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 submissions effective from 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 applicants based on their 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 and remote lockdown systems, and mandates reporting requirements for grant recipients to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 123B.595