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 existing reporting requirements for school boards regarding exclusions, expulsions, and physical assaults. It introduces a requirement for schools to indicate whether disciplinary actions are related to reports received through the new anonymous reporting system. The commissioner of education will compile and report data on these incidents, including disaggregated information on demographics and the nature of the reports. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 121A.53