ST PAUL, Minn — The debate over school resource officers will kick off the new legislative session that starts on Monday.
A new bill will be introduced to clarify and enhance a law passed last year, that prohibited officers from using certain restraints on students. That led to several SROs being pulled from school buildings across the state.
"I view this as building on the work from last session," said Sen. Bonnie Westlin (DFL - Plymouth), who is the lead author of the bill in the Senate. Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL - New Hope) is the lead author of the bill in the House.
Westlin says the bill clarifies physical restraints that SROs can use in schools, which in some cases, banned them from putting students in a prone position and restricting their breathing. Critics called it a vague description that led several law enforcement groups to remove its officers, including in Anoka, Willmar and Maple Grove.
KARE 11 reporter Jennifer Hoff asked Sen. Westlin if the DFL got the bill wrong the first time.
"I wouldn't say we got it wrong," said Sen. Westlin. "What has been the case prior to this, is there has been no uniformity."
This time, Sen. Westlin is proposing a set of uniform training for every school resource officer across the state that's currently not required. The state's Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) board would develop that training with input from several stakeholders.
"Here's what the school officials and teachers are subject to and the SROs will be subject to authorized use of force, trainings and model policies," explained Sen. Westlin.
She wants to focus on de-escalation tactics too, as well as creating a requirement to report incidents, like breaking up a fight.
"I don't think it happens often and students have a good and productive relationship with our school resource officers," said Sen. Westlin.
There are about 300 school resource officers in the state and districts aren't required to employ them. Sen. Westlin hopes this change, though, will strike a better balance for everyone.
"The most important part of this is our kids," said Sen. Westlin.
The bill is set to have its first hearing on Monday in the House Education Policy Committee.
In response to this news, Sen. Zach Duckworth, a Lakeville Republican, and vocal critic of the law, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Glad my colleagues are finally admitting that there needs to be a fix on the School Resource Officer issue. I’m hopeful that they’re operating in good faith and willing to pass a bipartisan solution that will keep our kids, teachers, and schools safe."
You can read his full statement here.
If the bill passes, the training - and costs - would fall under the Department of Public Safety, which Sen. Westlin says would have to hire three more employees to implement some of the changes.
Watch more local news:
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota in our YouTube playlist: