This bill establishes a comprehensive field trip policy for schools, mandating that no school employee, independent contractor, or volunteer may be alone with a student during field trips, including those with overnight stays. It also introduces the criminal offense of grooming, defining it as a pattern of conduct by an adult that seduces or entices a child to engage in unlawful sexual conduct for sexual gratification. The bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes, including provisions related to teacher licensure, mandatory reporting, and child maltreatment investigations, to enhance protections for minors and ensure accountability for educators.

Key amendments include the requirement for school boards and authorities to report any teacher or administrator who is discharged or resigns after allegations of misconduct, and the establishment of training for mandatory reporters on recognizing and reporting grooming behaviors. Additionally, the bill allows for the investigation of maltreatment allegations that occurred more than three years prior to the report, ensuring that past incidents can still be addressed. The bill's provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aim to strengthen the safeguarding of children in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 122A.20, 260E.15, 260E.28, 609.352