The proposed bill, known as 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 necessary to improve safety at each school site. Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 123B.595, subdivision 4, to require that facilities plans also incorporate provisions for a health and safety program, including gender-neutral restrooms. The effective date for these changes is set for plans submitted on or after August 1, 2025.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program for school security systems, appropriating funds from the general fund to the commissioner of public safety for distribution to school districts and charter schools. The Minnesota School Safety Center will oversee the grant application process, ranking applicants based on their proposed security plans and ensuring that grants are awarded across various geographic regions. The bill outlines specific components that may be included in the security systems, such as bullet-resistant doors, remote lockdown systems, and classroom duress alarms. This one-time appropriation is available until June 30, 2028, and includes provisions for reporting on grant usage and effectiveness.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 123B.595