Bill > HF2496

This bill modifies provisions related to School Resource Officers (SROs) in Minnesota, establishing more comprehensive guidelines for their roles, training, and interactions within schools. The bill requires SROs to use force only as a last resort, prioritizing de-escalation techniques and considering a student's age, size, and disabilities. It mandates that SROs be assigned to specific schools for at least three years to promote communication and trust, and outlines detailed training requirements that include understanding juvenile justice, mental health crisis response, childhood trauma, and de-escalation techniques. The bill also introduces new responsibilities for both schools and law enforcement agencies, such as engaging with community stakeholders, developing collaborative hiring processes, and creating evaluation systems specific to SROs. Schools must now broadly consult with students, families, teachers, and community members about the potential benefits and drawbacks of having an SRO, and law enforcement agencies must select officers who volunteer for the role, have significant experience, and reflect the community they serve. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of preventing sexual misconduct, developing reporting systems, and aligning with the U.S. Department of Justice's Guiding Principles for School Resource Officer Programs.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2496&ssn=0&y=2025