SF893

The proposed bill, S.F. No. 893, seeks to improve school safety in Minnesota through several measures:

1. Violence Prevention Training: Middle and high school students must receive at least one hour or a class period of evidence-based violence prevention training each year. This training will educate students on recognizing warning signs of potentially harmful behavior, the importance of reporting threats, and how to use available resources for reporting threats.

2. Developing Training Resources: By July 1, 2024, specific state commissioners are directed to compile a list of acceptable violence prevention training programs for schools to use. This list must be updated every two years and made publicly available.

3. Enhanced Reporting of Incidents: Schools must electronically report incidents involving dangerous weapons and any active shooter incidents or threats to the education commissioner and to the Minnesota Fusion Center. These reports need to include detailed information about the incidents and the actions taken by the schools in response.

4. Annual Safety and Incident Reports: Schools are required to file annual reports about weapon incidents and active shooter occurrences. These aggregated data reports will assist in compiling a statewide report that the education commissioner will deliver to other governmental bodies.

5. Updates to Fusion Center Reporting: The bill also updates requirements for the Minnesota Fusion Center's annual report to the public and legislature. This includes details on their activities, technological use, interactions with other agencies, and data about suspicious activities and requests for information.

6. Grant Program for Safety Enhancements: A grant program will be established to fund school projects related to violence prevention and security enhancements. Particular emphasis is placed on distributing these funds statewide, with specific consideration for schools outside major metropolitan areas.

7. Utilization of Grant Funds: Schools receiving grants must report on how these funds were used, ensuring transparency and accountability.

This bill is designed to bolster school safety protocols, improve incident reporting accuracy, and enhance communication and cooperation among schools, state agencies, and law enforcement to create safer educational environments.