S.F. No. 1045 Summary

• Requires postsecondary institutions governed by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board and private institutions with 100+ students to adopt written policies on sexual harassment and sexual assault that apply to students and employees on campus property and at sponsored events.

• Establishes mandatory campus investigation and disciplinary procedures including impartial investigations, preponderance of evidence standard, equal opportunity for reporting and responding parties to present evidence and witnesses, and prohibits direct cross-examination between parties.

• Mandates victims' rights protections including prompt assistance with law enforcement notification, choice to report to law enforcement or participate in campus proceedings separately, access to counseling services, privacy protections, and prohibition on conditioning financial aid on nondisclosure agreements.

• Requires institutions to provide online reporting systems with multiple reporting options, comprehensive sexual assault prevention training for students within 10 business days of enrollment, and annual training for campus security and administrators on victim-centered best practices.

• Incorporates sexual assault investigation and disciplinary proceedings into the Minnesota Human Rights Act to ensure equal access regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, or disability; effective August 1, 2024.