This bill, Senate File No. 2126, proposes several measures related to public safety and law enforcement in Minnesota. The key provisions include:

1. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: January 9 would be officially designated as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. The governor would issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day.

2. Law Enforcement Explorer Programs in Schools:

   • School boards are encouraged to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to offer law enforcement explorer programs in middle and high schools.
   • These programs aim to educate students on law enforcement careers and the criminal justice system.
   • The program may be integrated into existing curricula, offered as an elective course, or implemented as an after-school program.
   • Students completing an elective explorer course would receive school credit.

3. Peace Officer Training Assistance:

   • $6 million per year (for fiscal years 2026 and 2027) would be allocated to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board.
   • The funds would be used to reimburse law enforcement agencies for approved training programs that provide officers with required statutory training.

4. Pathway to Policing Grants:

   • $1 million in fiscal year 2026 would be allocated to the Department of Public Safety.
   • The funds would be used for reimbursement grants to local governments that operate Pathway to Policing programs.
   • These programs are designed to recruit individuals with nontraditional backgrounds into law enforcement.
   • Local governments could receive up to 50% reimbursement for compensating and training program participants.

Overall, the bill aims to support law enforcement officers, promote public safety education in schools, enhance police training, and encourage diverse recruitment into law enforcement careers.