The bill HF541 (Second Engrossment) from the Minnesota House of Representatives proposes establishing a reimbursement program for use-of-force training for peace officers.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Funding Allocation:

   • Appropriates $2,500,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Office of Higher Education for reimbursement grants.
   • Up to 2.5% of this amount can be used for administration and monitoring.

2. Eligibility for Reimbursement:

   • Training must meet the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 626.8452.
     
   • The training program must be approved by the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
     
   • The training must include scenario-based exercises using real firearms with nonlethal ammunition.
     
   • It must cover topics such as:
     • Physical and psychological effects of stress before, during, and after high-risk incidents.
     • Cumulative impact of stress on peace officers' health.
     • De-escalation tactics and methods.
       
     • Bias motivation and risk assessment training.
     • Defensive tactics and force-on-force training.
   • Peace officers must be able to attend the training at no cost to themselves or their law enforcement agency.

3. Reimbursement Process:

   • Postsecondary schools that provide the approved training can apply for reimbursement.
     
   • Reimbursement is set at a rate of $450 per officer who successfully completes the training.
     
   • Schools must submit the participating officer's name and peace officer license number to the Office of Higher Education for reimbursement.

4. Key Definitions:

   • "Law enforcement agency" and "peace officer" are defined according to Minnesota Statutes, Section 626.84.

Purpose of the Bill:

The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring peace officers receive high-quality use-of-force training, reducing the risk of excessive force and improving officer preparedness through scenario-based and stress-management training. By providing state-funded reimbursement, the bill removes financial barriers for officers and law enforcement agencies to access critical training.