This bill establishes January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Minnesota, recognizing the service and sacrifice of law enforcement personnel. The governor is tasked with issuing a proclamation each year to honor this observance. Additionally, the bill encourages school boards to partner with law enforcement agencies to create law enforcement explorer programs in public middle and high schools, aimed at educating students about careers in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. These programs can be integrated into existing curricula, offered as elective courses, or provided as after-school activities, with students receiving course credit for successful completion.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates funding to support law enforcement training and recruitment initiatives. It allocates $6 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for law enforcement training reimbursement, ensuring that agencies can provide statutory-mandated training. Additionally, it designates $1 million in fiscal year 2026 for reimbursement grants to local governments operating pathway to policing programs, which aim to recruit individuals from nontraditional backgrounds into law enforcement. These grants will cover up to 50% of the costs associated with compensating and training participants in these programs.