This bill mandates the implementation of anonymous reporting systems in all elementary, middle, and secondary schools in Minnesota by July 1, 2028. The systems must support 24-hour anonymous reporting through mobile applications and multilingual crisis centers, include trained crisis intervention staff, and ensure prompt forwarding of reports to appropriate school teams. Additionally, schools are required to form a school-based team to manage these reports and promote awareness of the system. The Department of Education will provide a list of compliant third-party reporting systems and may also operate a statewide system. Schools can accept funding from various sources to support these initiatives.

The bill also amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 121A.53, to require school boards to report disciplinary actions, including exclusions and expulsions, to the commissioner of education, specifically noting if these actions are related to reports received through the new anonymous reporting system. The reports must include demographic information about the affected students and will contribute to annual summaries on school performance. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 121A.53