Require mandatory metal detectors in all public schools in Minnesota.

 

The purpose of this bill is to create a safer environment in Minnesota public schools by detecting and preventing the

possession of dangerous items, including vapes, needles, knives, and most importantly, firearms. Preventing students

from bringing such items onto school grounds will reduce risks of injury, violence, and substance misuse.

 

This will reduce the presence of weapons and dangerous items in schools, prevent school shootings, stabbings, and other

acts of violence. It will also decrease the use and possession of vapes, needles, other harmful substances and promote a

culture of safety and vigilance within school communities. All public schools must install and operate metal detectors

at every main entrance used by students, staff, and visitors. School staff and security personnel would be trained to

operate metal detectors safely and effectively.

 

Public school: An institution funded by the government, free to attend, and open to residents of a designated area.

Weapons and Dangerous Items: Any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, ammunition, or any device designed as a weapon and

capable of producing death or bodily harm such as knives, razors, blades, axes, and hatchets.

Metal detector: A device designed to detect metal objects, including weapons, and prevent them from entering school

premises.

Student: Any individual enrolled in a Minnesota public school.

 

Funding for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of metal detectors will come from the Minnesota Department of

Education’s School Safety Grant Program. Additional funds may be allocated as necessary to ensure proper staffing,

training, and maintenance of devices.

 

Random and routine checks will be conducted for students and visitors entering school buildings. Any person refusing to

comply with metal detector screening may be denied entry to school grounds until compliance is achieved. The Minnesota

Department of Education will monitor compliance and report annually on the status and effectiveness of metal detector

use in schools.

Penalties For students: Possession of a weapon or contraband detected by a metal detector may result in confiscation of

items, disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, in accordance with local school policies. Further,

violation may include prosecution under state criminal and juvenile delinquency law.

Penalties for school staff or administrators: Failure to comply with installation, operation, or maintenance

requirements of metal detectors may result in administrative review, fines, or state-level intervention.

For visitors: Unauthorized possession of weapons or dangerous items on school property may result confiscation of items,

removal from school grounds, notification to law enforcement, and legal consequences including prosecution under state

criminal and juvenile delinquency law.

 

This act will take effect at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.