MN HF51

Peace Officer Standards and Training Board must prepare learning objectives for preservice and in-service training on safer interactions between peace officers and persons with autism by January 1, 2021.

Learning objectives must address autism overview and behavioral understanding, de-escalation strategies, crisis reduction models, and available tools and technology, developed with input from individuals with autism, family members, autism experts, and peace officers.

Autism training must be included in required curriculum for professional peace officer education programs, with individuals ineligible to take the peace officer licensing exam after July 1, 2021, unless they have completed the training.

Beginning July 1, 2021, all state and local law enforcement agencies must provide in-service autism training to every peace officer and part-time officer, requiring at least four continuing education credits within a three-year licensing cycle.

Law enforcement agencies must maintain written records of training compliance subject to board review, and the board may impose licensing sanctions or seek injunctive relief for non-compliance.