Hello from the State Capitol,
Last session, extreme Democrats in the legislature approved a new law that changed the way student resources officers (SRO) could restrain violent students in schools. They intentionally skipped holding a hearing in the public safety committee on the topic, despite the legislation dealing directly with public safety. This irresponsible and reckless move resulted in law enforcement from dozens of cities pulling their officers from their schools – including at Blaine High School.
Governor Walz recognized the problem after he signed the bill into law saying he wanted a legislative fix, yet refused to call a special session to make that fix happen.
This new legislation essentially returns SROs to where they were prior to the change in law. SROs are excluded as employees or agents of a school district and are excluded from the prohibitions on prone restraints and physical holds.
The bill passed overwhelmingly in the House. I’m glad sanity prevailed and that the extremists didn’t win, although 8 of them opposed the plan. The Senate also passed the bill with 9 Democrats voting against. Thankfully Republicans set aside partisanship and provided Democrats with the votes necessary to pass the bill, as they could not originally pass it with Democrat votes alone.
The compromise plan, which has the support of law enforcement, needs to move forward as soon as possible. We tried to bring it up to pass immediately on Monday, but Democrats blocked that action. I’m hopeful that for the sake of students across the state, they’re not having a change of heart.
No teacher or student should ever have to worry about their safety in a school building and the sooner our SROs can return, the better.
I will keep you updated.
Nolan