HF1901

The bill, Minnesota House File No. 1901, focuses on enhancing school safety by implementing anonymous threat reporting systems, establishing reporting requirements for incidents involving active shooters or dangerous weapons, and ensuring better legislative oversight over threat-related incidents.

Key Provisions:

1. Violence Prevention Training:

   • Schools conducting active shooter drills must provide at least one hour of violence prevention training annually for middle and high school students.
   • The training must be evidence-based and cover:
     • Recognition of warning signs of potential violence.
     • The importance of reporting threats.
     • How to report threats, including using anonymous threat reporting systems.
   • The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Department of Education must create a list of approved programs.

2. Reporting of Dangerous Weapons and Active Shooter Incidents:

   • Schools must electronically report any incidents involving dangerous weapons within school zones to the Commissioner of Education annually. Reports must detail:
     • A description of the incident.
     • The type of weapon involved.
     • Information on the offender and victim (excluding names).
     • Actions taken by the school in response.
   • Active Shooter Incidents & Threats must be reported to the Minnesota Fusion Center, including:
     • How the threat was communicated.
     • Information about the suspect.
     • Immediate costs and responses taken.
   • The Minnesota School Safety Center will help develop a reporting process.

3. Minnesota Fusion Center Reporting & Oversight:

   • The Minnesota Fusion Center (MNFC) must submit an annual report to the legislature including:
     • A summary of threats, incidents, and responses.
     • Data regarding reports from school districts.
     • The number of tips received from anonymous reporting systems.
     • How threats were handled and referred to law enforcement.

4. Grant Program for Anonymous Threat Reporting Systems:

   • The bill allocates funding for schools to establish anonymous threat reporting systems through grants administered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
   • Eligible recipients include school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units.
   • Grant recipients must submit plans detailing:
     • How the system will be used.
     • Staff responsible for managing threats.
   • At least half of the grants must go to schools outside the Twin Cities metro area.
   • The Department of Public Safety can retain up to 10% of funds for administration and technical assistance.

5. Funding & Appropriation:

   • This is a one-time appropriation available through June 30, 2028.
   • The Minnesota School Safety Center and Department of Public Safety must provide annual reports on fund distribution.

Conclusion:

This bill strengthens school safety measures in Minnesota by requiring more comprehensive student training, mandating better data reporting on threats, increasing state oversight, and funding anonymous threat reporting systems to improve early warning mechanisms.