This bill, H.F. No. 1341, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, focuses on public safety and law enforcement support.

Key Provisions:

1. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (Sec. 1)

   • Establishes January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Minnesota to honor law enforcement personnel.
     
   • Requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the observance.

2. Law Enforcement Explorer Programs in Schools (Sec. 2)

   • Encourages school boards to partner with law enforcement agencies to implement law enforcement explorer programs in public middle schools and high schools.
     
   • These programs can be part of the curriculum, an elective course, or an after-school program.
     
   • If offered as an elective course, students will receive school credit for successful completion.

3. Peace Officer Training Assistance Appropriation (Sec. 3)

   • $6 million per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 is allocated from the state’s general fund to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board.
     
   • The funding is intended to support and strengthen law enforcement training and reimburse agencies for state-approved training programs focused on best practices and statutory-mandated training.

4. Pathway to Policing Reimbursement Grants (Sec. 4)

   • $1 million in fiscal year 2026 is allocated to the Commissioner of Public Safety for local government reimbursement grants.
     
   • These grants support Pathway to Policing programs, which aim to recruit individuals from nontraditional backgrounds into law enforcement.
     
   • Grants cover up to 50% of compensation and training costs for program participants and are allocated proportionally based on approved applications.

Summary:

The bill promotes support and training for law enforcement by establishing an annual appreciation day, introducing law enforcement career programs in schools, and providing state funding for officer training and diversity recruitment efforts.