Bill > SF637

This bill, known as the Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act, requires school districts to include student and staff safety measures in their long-term facilities maintenance plans. The bill amends existing education statutes to mandate that school districts' ten-year facility plans now incorporate specific safety provisions, including physical modifications to improve school site safety. A key component is a new grant program administered by the Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota School Safety Center to provide funding for comprehensive school security systems. These grants will support the installation of advanced security features such as bullet-resistant doors and windows, magnetic door-locking systems, emergency communication systems, and access control technologies. Schools across Minnesota can apply for these grants, with priority given to facilities serving the largest number of students in each geographic region. The grant program includes strict vendor qualifications, requiring companies to have at least two years of experience and providing a detailed list of potential security enhancements. Additionally, the bill requires recipients to use grant funds to contract with approved vendors and receive training on security system implementation. The Minnesota School Safety Center must report annually on grant awards, purchased items, and recommendations for future school security funding. The appropriation is a one-time funding of an unspecified amount, available until June 30, 2028, with the program becoming effective for plans submitted on or after August 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0637&ssn=0&y=2025