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 allowing school districts to include safety measures in their long-term facilities maintenance plans. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 123B.595, subdivision 4, to require that facilities plans for schools receiving SHIELD grants include a safe schools plan detailing physical modifications to improve safety. Additionally, the bill specifies that school districts not receiving these grants may still incorporate a safe schools plan into their maintenance plans. The effective date for these provisions 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 this purpose. School districts and charter schools can apply for these grants to implement comprehensive security systems, which may include various safety features such as bullet-resistant doors, remote lockdown systems, and classroom duress alarms. The Minnesota School Safety Center will rank applicants and oversee the grant process, ensuring that funds are allocated to schools across different geographic regions, with a focus on those serving larger student populations. The bill also mandates annual reporting on grant awards and expenditures to relevant legislative committees, with the appropriation available until June 30, 2028.

Statutes affected:
1st Engrossment: 123B.595