Schools could apply for matching grants for threat reporting systems

The bill would set aside money for matching grants to schools for anonymous threat reporting systems. Eligible applicants are school districts, charter schools, cooperative units, and Tribal contract schools. Schools must provide at least half the grant cost from nonstate funds. Before a grant is awarded, a school must document how it will use the money and identify staff who will respond to reports. Grants must reach all regions, with at least half going to schools whose administrative offices are outside the 11-county metropolitan area. Grant money may pay for developing, buying, setting up, running, and maintaining a system, and for staff who manage it or respond to threats. The appropriation would be available until June 30, 2028.

The bill would require state agencies to report how grant money was awarded and used. The Minnesota School Safety Center, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Department of Public Safety would report to legislative committees responsible for K-12 education and public safety. The report must name grant recipients and explain how each used the money. The report would be due by February 15 after each year in which a grant is awarded.