MN HF545

Commissioner of education must assist districts and charter schools in developing and implementing consent programs to prevent and reduce sexual assault incidents.

Each district must develop and implement a consent program in grades 9-12 that includes age-appropriate instruction on consent in grades 8-12, planning materials, staff training, collaboration with community health services, and participation by student organizations.

Consent is defined as affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity; lack of protest does not mean consent, consent must be ongoing and may be revoked at any time, and past relationships or sexual activity do not indicate consent.

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

General fund appropriations to the commissioner of education are provided for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to assist districts and charter schools in implementing consent programs (specific dollar amounts not specified in bill text).