This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 126C.44, to increase safe schools revenue and expand its availability to various educational institutions, including charter schools, cooperative units, nonpublic schools, and Tribal contract schools. The bill introduces new provisions that allow cooperative units to receive safe schools aid based on the adjusted pupil units of member districts, and it establishes specific aid calculations for charter schools, nonpublic schools, and American Indian Tribal contract schools. The safe schools aid for these institutions is set at $36 per pupil unit or enrollment, depending on the type of school, and includes requirements for reporting and payment schedules.

Additionally, the bill outlines the permissible uses of safe schools revenue, which includes funding for security personnel, drug abuse prevention programs, mental health services, and cybersecurity measures. It emphasizes the need for schools to contract with local law enforcement for security services and specifies that the new provisions will take effect for revenue starting in fiscal year 2027. An appropriation from the general fund to the Department of Education for safe schools aid is also included in the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 126C.44