SF557 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Parental notification of adverse incidents requirement provision

Related bill: HF751

AI Generated Summary

The bill aims to enhance how schools in Minnesota handle incidents of prohibited conduct, such as bullying. It mandates several key actions:

  1. Designation of a Contact Person: Each school must have a specific staff member responsible for managing reports of prohibited conduct.

  2. Employee Reporting: School employees who witness or learn about prohibited conduct must attempt to address and resolve it.

  3. Prompt Investigation: Schools must start investigating reports of such behavior within three school days.

  4. Parental Notification: Schools must inform the parents of both the victim and the perpetrator within 24 hours after the incident is reported.

  5. Protection from Retaliation: The policy must prevent and penalize any retaliation against individuals who report prohibited conduct.

  6. Anonymous Reporting: Reports can be made anonymously, though these alone won’t form the basis for discipline.

  7. Support Resources: Information about community resources should be offered to those involved or affected by the prohibited conduct.

  8. Consideration of Disabilities: When applicable, a child’s educational program should address skills to cope with or abstain from prohibited conduct.

  9. Visibility and Training: Schools are required to publicize their policies and train employees routinely to recognize and handle prohibited conduct effectively.

  10. Rights of Involved Parties: Those being investigated and their parents must be informed about their rights to access and challenge school data concerning the incident.

The bill ensures that schools take immediate and effective steps to protect students, uphold their rights, and address prohibited behaviors, maintaining a focus on developmentally appropriate practices and professional development for school personnel.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 22, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 22, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 22, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy
January 22, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Details on immediately intervening in identified incidents of prohibited conduct and parental notification within 24 hours."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The amendment modifies the requirements for local policy components relating to prohibited conduct in schools.",
      "modified": [
        "Expansion of procedures for investigating reports of prohibited conduct, specifying the primary contact person responsibilities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "121A.031",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Mandates ongoing professional development to address prohibited conduct."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This citation references professional development requirements for school personnel under section 122A.60.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "122A.60",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]