ST PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Tim Walz wasted little time signing a new bill that provides more clarity about what types of physical holds school resource officers (SROs) can use while on the job.
The bill, which was passed by the Senate earlier Thursday, states that officers are not employees of the schools they serve, therefore, they're not subject to the tighter restrictions on use of force. The bill makes it clear that SROs can use facedown, prone restraints on students if necessary to prevent harm to others, while other school employees can't use those holds.
“Every child deserves a world-class education and a learning environment that is safe, supportive, and healthy. As integral members of their school community, school resource officers serve students and teachers day in and day out. This bill provides comprehensive guidance and clarity, allowing school resource officers to continue to do their jobs effectively,” said Gov. Walz in a press release.
“I’m grateful to legislators, school leaders, education advocates, youth voices, and law enforcement for working together to get this done and ensure we’re keeping our kids safe.”
Changes made to the state education laws last session created confusion over what level of force school resources officers could use. The 2023 bill barred school employees and "school agents" from using prone restraints to bring students under control.
That language prompted law enforcement agencies across the state to pull their SROs out of school buildings out of fear officers would be sued or prosecuted for using those holds on students. Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a legal opinion that the changes in education statutes didn't change the reasonable force standards for officers, but as of February, 40 police agencies still hadn't returned officers to schools.
"This is a bill that is child focused, this is a bill that puts some guard rails and clarity around having school resource officers in our schools," said Sen. Bonnie Westlin Thursday at the State Capitol.
The legislation also sets statewide standards and training for SROs, and specifies the Minnesota Department of Public Safety will provide that training free of cost. The bill also instructs the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to issue an SRO model policy, after seeking input from law enforcement and education leaders.
"From where we were in August — where were are today where folks have admitted it truly was an issue — we did need Republicans to help us come together to find a solution to help keep our kids (and) teachers in schools safe," said Sen. Zach Duckworth, Assistant Minority Leader. "I'm satisfied we finally got there."
The Senate on Monday added an amendment to the bill that had already been passed by the House. A House-Senate conference committee removed the amendment. The House passed the original bill again Tuesday and returned it to the Senate.
The second time around, on Wednesday morning, the Senate accepted the original House bill.
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