The legislative bill, referred to as the Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act, proposes enhancements to safety measures within school districts in Minnesota. Key points of the legislation include:

1. Long-term Facilities Maintenance Plan Requirement:

   • Each school district is required to have a ten-year facilities plan approved by the school board and the commissioner. This plan should comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations, and incorporate best practices like indoor air quality management and lead hazard remediation.
   • It should also include a safe schools plan for each school addressing physical modifications needed to enhance student and staff security.
   • The addition of gender-neutral, single-user restrooms at each school site is mandated.

2. Financial Planning and Accountability:

   • School districts that choose to issue bonds to fund these plans must demonstrate that the debt service for these bonds will not exceed their projected long-term facilities revenue for any given year.

3. Funding and Grants:

   • The bill proposes an increase in safe schools funding and the creation of grants specifically for school security systems.

4. Annual Updates and Approvals:

   • School districts are required to update their facilities and safety plans annually, submit them for approval by July 31 each year, and specify whether they will finance the plans through bonds or levy costs.

This legislation aims to bolster the safety and health environment of schools in Minnesota, facilitating a secure and conducive learning atmosphere for both students and staff.