Due to uncertainty surrounding a change to a statewide school discipline law, Minnesota has recently seen more than a dozen police departments announce the removal of their school resource officer (SRO). In response, Republicans proposed a bipartisan bill, co-authored by Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia), to fix this change in law.

The new law at issue, which passed as a portion of a larger education bill, changes how SROs can operate and use force in the course of their jobs. When this legislation moved through the Senate Education Policy Committee, Republicans voiced their strong concerns with this policy change and urged Democrats to talk with SROs about it. However, Democrats chose to ignore the issues raised and pushed it through without feedback from law enforcement.

“Our school resource officers are essential to the safety of our kids, teachers and schools,” Senator Coleman said. “With the new school year set to begin, it’s crucial that we come together to find an immediate solution. I am urging members across the aisle to join us in fixing this issue to ensure our SROs can continue to do their jobs effectively.”

The bill as proposed simply repeals the recent law change eliminating prone restraints or physical holds and repeals the change to use of force standards to revert back to the original language that was in statute. The change does not impact the 2021 bill that banned all neck and chokehold restraints and remains in place for students and all Minnesotans.

During the press conference, Republicans also presented a letter from House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R- East Grand Forks) asking the Governor to meet to discuss a special session.