MN SF3969

School employees, independent contractors, and volunteers are prohibited from being alone with a student during any field trip, including overnight trips, effective July 1, 2026.

Adds "grooming" as a new felony criminal offense, defined as a person 18 or older engaging in a pattern of conduct to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child for unlawful sexual conduct, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.

Requires automatic revocation of teaching licenses for convictions of grooming, and mandates that school boards report to licensing boards when teachers are suspended or resign during investigations under child maltreatment laws (Chapter 260E).

Requires the Commissioner of Education to develop mandatory reporter training that includes content on grooming, threatened sexual abuse, and reporting requirements for students ages 18-21 receiving special education services.

Removes limitations on investigating child maltreatment reports that occurred more than three years before the report date, allowing agencies to screen in and investigate older allegations.