Purpose

This bill creates a statewide program to fund safety improvements at schools. Its goal is to improve the physical safety of students, staff, and others on school grounds by paying for security upgrades and related equipment and training. It directs funding from two sources (bond proceeds and a separate state account) and uses a structured process to award grants.

Key Definitions

• Capital safety improvement project: acquisition or upgrade of buildings or other fixed assets and improvements of a capital nature to improve safety.
• Noncapital safety improvements: safety-related equipment, systems, or software that are not capitalized.
• School: public or nonpublic school serving pre-K through 12, or a child day care center, with occupancy-related references noted.
• Minnesota School Safety Center: the state program within the Department of Public Safety that supports safe learning environments. If the Center isn’t operating, the Public Safety Commissioner takes over its responsibilities.

Eligibility and Applicants

• Bond proceeds grants: school property owners must be public entities, and projects must be capital safety improvements.
• School safety improvement account grants (special revenue fund): owners can be public entities, tribal governments, or private entities.
• The Minnesota School Safety Center (or the Public Safety Commissioner if the Center isn’t operational) oversees eligibility and processes.

Approved Vendors and Eligible Projects

• The Center must maintain a list of authorized vendors with at least two years of experience in school security services/products.
• Grants may be used to upgrade or install comprehensive security systems, including components such as:
  • bulletresistant interior doors and windows
  • ballistic wall panels
  • magnetic door-locking systems
  • remote lockdown activation systems
  • mass notification systems integrated with emergency communications
  • emergency building access systems for first responders
  • access control systems with remote door-release
  • electronic access controls for main distribution frame rooms
  • classroom duress alarms linked to law enforcement/administration notification
  • security system training for staff
  • ballistic security glass for interior door vision panels and sidelites
  • classroom door installations designed to improve safety
• The Center must provide districts and charter schools with the list of authorized vendors.

Application Process

• Applicants must submit a written application describing:
  • the proposed project or improvements
  • rationale and the population served
  • total cost with phase-by-phase breakdown (design, construction, equipment, etc.)
  • how much is requested and how much will come from nonstate funds
  • the project owner and decision-making entity
  • any prior funding and public purpose
  • an estimated timeline and a contact person
  • any other information requested by the Center

Prioritization of Grants

• If funds are insufficient to cover all eligible requests, grants are awarded based on: 1) demonstrated local support 2) the need for the project 3) long-term maintenance costs 4) the expected safety increase relative to cost
• Grant money must be allocated equitably across Minnesota regions, including between the metropolitan area and greater Minnesota.

Matching Funds

• Applicants must show a nonstate funds match for the project, with exceptions for cities with below-average tax capacity per capita or areas experiencing hardship.

Grant Amounts and Terms

• A school may apply for one or more grants totaling up to a specified annual limit for approved capital and noncapital safety improvements (exact dollar amount is stated in the bill).
• Each grant must cover at least the cost to complete one or more project phases, after subtracting nonstate funds already committed.
• Any remaining balance after a defined availability period may be canceled and returned to the original funding account.

Notifications and Compliance

• The Center must promptly notify applicants of grant decisions, including the grant amount, required match, and money-availability deadlines.
• Grants from bond proceeds and the school safety improvement account are subject to relevant state laws; funds remain available until the project is complete or abandoned, per applicable provisions.
• A project funded with bond proceeds is considered state bond-financed property and subject to related requirements.

Administration and Monitoring

• Up to five percent of the appropriation may be used for program administration and monitoring.
• The Center may contract with third parties to provide needed technical assistance, education, and support to applicants.

Reporting to the Legislature

• The Center must report annually (with the first report due January 31, 2027, and every January 31 thereafter) on grants awarded, recipients, projects, and other relevant information. A copy goes to legislative chairs and ranking minority members.

Funding and Appropriations

• The bill creates the School Safety Improvement Account in the special revenue fund to house appropriations for grants under the program.
• It explicitly appropriates a large bond proceeds amount to fund capital safety improvement grants through the Center.
• It includes a transfer plan in a specified fiscal year from the general fund to the School Safety Improvement Account to support eligible grants.

Significant Changes Highlight

• Establishment of a centralized, state-funded grant program specifically for school safety improvements with a formal list of eligible security components.
• Creation of two funding streams (bond proceeds for capital projects and a dedicated safety improvement account) to support grants.
• A formal vendor approval process limiting procurement to experienced, vetted vendors.
• A detailed application and prioritization framework to allocate funds equitably across Minnesota.
• A requirement for annual reporting to the Legislature, increasing oversight and transparency.
• A matching requirement with regional hardship and tax-capacity considerations, potentially widening participation for certain districts or entities.

Relevant Terms - Minnesota School Safety Center - School Safety Grant Program - capital safety improvement project - noncapital safety improvements - public entity - Tribal government - private entity - authorized vendors - bulletresistant interior doors and windows - ballistic wall panels - magnetic doorlocking systems - remote lockdown activation systems - mass notification system - emergency building access system - electronic access control systems - classroom duress alarms - ballistic security glass - Group E Occupancy (State Fire Code) - grant from bond proceeds - school safety improvement account - eligibility and application process - prioritized ranking factors - local support - need - long-term maintenance costs - equity across regions - net tax capacity per capita - hardship - match requirement - administration and monitoring - reporting to legislature - section 16A.642 (related availability/abandonment rule) - 299A.625 subdivision 2 paragraph a (capital-eligible) - 299A.709 (school safety improvement account) - Section 16A.642 (funds availability)