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Bill Summary · SF 5274

Overview

SF 5274 proposes a one-time appropriation to fund anonymous threat reporting system grants for K-12 schools in Minnesota. The act assigns administrative responsibility to the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) in consultation with the Minnesota School Safety Center (MSSC) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The grants are intended to support the development, implementation, operation, and maintenance of anonymous threat reporting systems at schools and to compensate staff who respond to threats reported through the system. A mandatory nonstate funding match is required, and a reporting requirement to legislators is included. The appropriation expires June 30, 2028 if not fully utilized.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a dedicated, anonymous threat reporting system grant program for Minnesota K-12 educational providers.
  • Improve ability for students, staff, and communities to report potential threats in a confidential manner.
  • Provide funding for technology, staff, and operational costs associated with running an anonymous reporting system and responding to reported threats.
  • Ensure geographic distribution of grant recipients across the state and include nonmetropolitan representation.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Funding and Authority

    • A one-time appropriation of $ from the general fund in fiscal year 2027 to DHSEM, in consultation with MSSC, to issue anonymous threat reporting system grants to eligible schools and districts.
    • The Department of Public Safety may retain up to 10% of the appropriation to administer the grants and for MSSC to provide technical assistance.

  • Eligible Recipients

    • Eligible entities include school districts, charter schools, cooperative units (as defined in Minn. Stat. 123A.24), and Tribal contract schools.

  • Grant Administration

    • Grants will be awarded by DHSEM, with potential for multiple application rounds.
    • Grant amounts per recipient will be capped (the placeholder indicates an amount to be specified: "$...." per district/charter/cooperative/Tribal school).
    • Applicants must provide at least a 50% nonstate match (in accordance with subsection (c)).

  • Eligible Uses

    • Grant funds may be used for:
    • Development, purchase, implementation, operation, and maintenance of anonymous threat reporting systems.
    • Staff compensation related to operating the system.
    • Compensation for staff who respond to threats reported through the system.

  • Application and Accountability

    • Recipients must submit documentation acceptable to the DHSEM director detailing how the grant will be used and how staff will respond to threats prior to award.
    • Annual reporting due by February 15 after each grant is awarded, to chairs and ranking minority members of relevant legislative committees. Reports must identify recipients and how funds were used by each.

  • Geographic and Administrative Considerations

    • Grants must be awarded with geographic coverage in mind, ensuring representation from all regions of the state.
    • At least half of the grants must be to schools with administrative offices located outside the 11-county Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area.

  • Timing and Duration

    • This is a one-time appropriation and does not cancel; it remains available until June 30, 2028.

Affected Parties

  • School districts
  • Charter schools
  • Cooperative units (as defined by state statute)
  • Tribal contract schools
  • Staff responsible for implementing and responding to threat reports
  • Minnesota School Safety Center
  • Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Department of Public Safety

Procedural/Timeline Highlights

  • Introduction and referral to Education Finance: May 11, 2026
  • Funding decision and grant issuance would occur in fiscal year 2027 following appropriation.
  • Grant administration and reporting cycle would include annual reports due by February 15 after each grant year.
  • Authorized funding expires June 30, 2028 if not fully utilized.

Practical Impact

  • Enables schools to adopt and fund anonymous reporting tools, potentially improving early threat detection and response.
  • Requires schools to invest in staff and processes to handle and act on reports, supported by state grants and matching funds.
  • Establishes a transparent, legislatively monitored use of funds with published recipient-level reporting.
  • Creates regional balance in grant distribution and directs resources to nonmetropolitan areas, aligning with broader school safety objectives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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