Bill > SF16

This bill mandates comprehensive physical and sexual abuse education in Minnesota schools, transforming previous optional guidance into mandatory requirements. Specifically, the legislation requires school districts to include multisession, culturally inclusive, and developmentally appropriate instruction on identifying emotional and physical child abuse, recognizing sexual abuse and assault, understanding boundary violations, and learning strategies to promote disclosure and support victims. The bill, which will take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, requires schools to train instructors on managing potential disclosures that may arise during abuse prevention instruction and develop policies for responding to such disclosures. Notably, the bill updates "Erin's Law" by changing language from "encouraging" to "requiring" districts to integrate child sexual abuse prevention instruction for students and training for school personnel. The legislation aims to provide students with critical knowledge about personal safety, abuse recognition, and support mechanisms, while ensuring that schools have structured approaches to addressing these sensitive topics.

Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0016&ssn=0&y=2025