MN HF4207

Commissioner of Education must assist school districts and charter schools in developing and implementing consent programs to prevent sexual assault, with age-appropriate instruction required in grades 8 through 12.

Each consent program must include planning materials and guidelines, in-service training for staff and school board members, collaboration with local community health services and organizations, and participation by state and local student organizations.

Defines "consent" as affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity, with each person responsible for ensuring others consent; clarifies that lack of protest does not equal consent, consent can be revoked at any time, and past relationships are not indicators of consent.

If a district fails to develop and implement a program, the Department of Education must assist the regional service cooperative in developing or implementing the program.

Districts and charter schools may fund programs through public and private sources including public health funds, foundations, professional development funds, and federal or state grants; appropriation from general fund designated for fiscal year 2019.