The Minnesota House made a significant decision on Monday by voting to exempt school resource officers from a law that prohibits school workers from using prone holds on students. The vote, with a tally of 124-8, now shifts attention to the Senate, where the bill awaits further action.
Law enforcement groups have expressed support for the change, suggesting that it could pave the way for local police departments to reintroduce officers into school settings. Concerns about liability under a new law implemented in 2023 prompted several police agencies to withdraw school resource officers last fall.
Despite guidance from the attorney general on when officers could intervene and use prone holds, proponents of the bill argue that clearer guidelines need to be codified in law.
Representative Cedrick Frazier, the bill’s author, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of students. He stated, “None of these adults need to be coddled… That is what this bill is about. It creates a framework for the entire state now, there’ll be transparency, there’ll be accountability, if necessary.”
The bill will now proceed to the Senate, where it is anticipated to receive attention in the coming days. Democratic leaders have expressed their support for the proposal, and Governor Tim Walz has indicated his willingness to sign it into law.
However, community groups that advocated for the law restricting prone restraints last year continue to oppose the proposed change, arguing that such holds should not be permitted under any circumstances.
Under the proposed legislation, school resource officers would be exempted from the current law barring school employees from using holds that impede a student’s ability to breathe or call for help. These officers would still be prohibited from using prone holds except in situations where a student poses a serious risk to themselves or others.
Additionally, officers would undergo additional training specific to school environments and would not be authorized to administer discipline for school policy violations. The bill also mandates the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training to develop a model policy for school resource officers, incorporating input from various stakeholders.
While Republicans in the chamber welcomed the advancement of the bill, some expressed regret that the change did not occur earlier. Representative Jeff Witte emphasized the importance of the proposal in ensuring school safety and fostering peace of mind among parents.