This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 126C.44, to enhance safe schools revenue for school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units. Key changes include the introduction of safe schools aid for school districts, which will be calculated as $100 times the district's adjusted pupil units for the school year. Additionally, the bill establishes safe schools aid for cooperative units at $35 per adjusted pupil unit and for charter schools at $100 per adjusted pupil unit starting in fiscal year 2027. The bill also clarifies the calculation of safe schools revenue for intermediate school districts and outlines the use of this revenue for various safety and security measures.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that safe schools revenue must be reserved for direct funding of safety-related expenses, including costs for peace officers, drug prevention programs, security enhancements, and mental health collaborations. It mandates that school districts attempt to contract with local law enforcement for necessary services and allows for contracting with other police or sheriff's departments if local options are unavailable. The effective date for these changes is set for revenue starting in fiscal year 2027, and an appropriation from the general fund to the Department of Education is included to support the implementation of safe schools aid.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 126C.44