H.F. 2097 Summary

• Establishes standards for active shooter drills in Minnesota schools that must be accessible, developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and inclusive of accommodations for students with disabilities or special needs.

• Requires school districts to provide advance notice to parents at least 24 hours before drills and allow parents to opt their students out without negative consequences to attendance or school activities.

• Mandates post-drill debriefing time for teachers and students before regular classroom activities resume, with access to mental health services available on campus.

• Requires annual violence prevention training for grades 6-12 covering warning signs of harmful behavior, threat reporting, and prevention strategies including bullying, sexual harassment, and suicide prevention.

• Directs school boards to hold annual meetings reviewing the efficacy, safety impacts, and mental health effects of active shooter drills, and prohibits simulations during regular school hours when most students are present.