Bill > HF5015

This bill enhances school safety by requiring the Minnesota School Safety Center to develop and review evidence-based model school safety plans, which are defined as strategies proven effective through rigorous research or with a strong research-based rationale and ongoing evaluation. Schools are encouraged to adopt these plans and can receive consulting services and grants for implementation. The bill also enables anonymous threat reporting systems, requiring them to be available 24/7 via mobile app and a multilingual crisis center staffed by trained professionals, and mandates that schools train a team to respond to these reports. Furthermore, it modifies student discipline provisions to limit dismissals for students in kindergarten through grade 3 to a maximum of three school days, requiring superintendent approval, and clarifies that expulsions and exclusions are only for serious safety threats. The bill increases funding for safe schools revenue, which can be used for various safety measures including hiring peace officers, drug prevention programs, security enhancements, and mental health professionals, and expands eligibility for school building and cybersecurity grants to include nonpublic and Tribal contract schools, extending the availability of these funds. Finally, it appropriates significant funds for safe schools aid, school safety facility grants, the Minnesota School Safety Center, and school-linked behavioral health services, while also canceling a previous appropriation for a rail project.