This bill, H.F. No. 1256, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives during the 94th legislative session, seeks to make funding for certain law enforcement training ongoing. Specifically, it amends prior laws to ensure that $6,000,000 is allocated annually to the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund to support law enforcement training.

Key Provisions:

1. Funding Purpose: The allocated funds are strictly for reimbursing law enforcement training costs related to:

   • Use of Force Training (Minnesota Statutes §626.8452)
   • Crisis Response, Conflict Management, and Cultural Diversity Training (§626.8469)
   • Autism Training (§626.8474)

2. Training Course Requirements:

   • Training sponsors must submit applications detailing course goals, objectives, outlines, instructor qualifications, and learning assessment plans.
   • Instructors must collect and submit student evaluations after course completion.

3. Oversight and Accountability:

   • The Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board) is responsible for reviewing and approving courses.
   • The board must maintain records of approved and denied courses.
   • A recurring review process is required to ensure courses meet approved learning outcomes.
   • Law enforcement agency chiefs have access to instructor evaluations.

4. Unused Funds: If funds remain after reimbursing approved training, the board may use them to reimburse law enforcement agencies for other board-approved law enforcement training courses.

5. Long-Term Commitment:

   • $6,000,000 per year is allocated starting in fiscal year 2026 and continuing thereafter.

Overall Impact:

This bill ensures permanent, dedicated funding for essential law enforcement training, focusing on best practices and addressing key issues like use of force, crisis management, and cultural diversity. It strengthens police accountability through continuous training assessment and transparency while promoting improved law enforcement-community relations.