This bill aims to enhance school safety in Minnesota by modifying existing provisions related to violence prevention and reporting requirements. It mandates that school districts and charter schools conduct annual violence prevention training for middle and high school students, which must include information on identifying warning signs of potential harm and the importance of reporting threats. Additionally, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for active shooter incidents and threats, requiring schools to electronically report these incidents to the commissioner of education and the Minnesota Fusion Center. The bill also amends the definition of dangerous weapon incidents to include active shooter incidents and threats, and it specifies the information that must be included in these reports.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates funds for violence prevention and physical security enhancement grants to schools, allowing districts and charter schools to apply for financial assistance to develop and implement anonymous threat reporting systems. The grants are intended to support safety initiatives across the state, with a focus on ensuring equitable distribution, particularly to schools outside the metropolitan area. The Department of Public Safety is tasked with overseeing the grant process and providing technical assistance, while annual reports will be required to track the distribution and use of grant funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 121A.038, 121A.06, 299C.055