This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 2126, proposes several measures related to law enforcement support, education, and training. Key provisions include:

1. Establishing Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

   • Designates January 9 as "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" in Minnesota.
     
   • Requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the contributions of law enforcement officers.

2. Encouraging Law Enforcement Explorer Programs in Schools

   • Encourages school boards to partner with law enforcement agencies to offer law enforcement explorer programs in public middle and high schools.
     
   • These programs aim to educate students about law enforcement careers and the criminal justice system.
     
   • Schools may integrate such programs into their curriculum as elective courses or offer them as afterschool programs.
     
   • Students completing the elective course would receive school credit.

3. Funding for Peace Officer Training

   • Allocates $6 million per year (FY 2026 and FY 2027) from the general fund to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (POST).
     
   • These funds are designated for reimbursing law enforcement agencies for training courses that fulfill statutory training requirements for peace officers.

4. Funding for Pathway to Policing Programs

   • Allocates $1 million in FY 2026 for reimbursement grants to local governments implementing Pathway to Policing programs.
     
   • These programs aim to recruit individuals from nontraditional backgrounds into law enforcement careers.
     
   • Grants may cover up to 50% of the cost of compensating and training recruits, with funds distributed proportionally based on approved applications.

If enacted, this bill would enhance support for law enforcement officers, encourage youth engagement in law enforcement careers, and provide additional funding for officer training and recruitment efforts.