Was a compromise reached on use of restraint in Minnesota schools?

As February ended, Minnesota lawmakers appeared to find middle ground on the controversial use of physical restraints by school resource officers (SROs). The discussion centers on changes to the 2023 education law, which limits restraint techniques—banning prone restraint and any hold that restricts a student's breathing or ability to signal distress, except to prevent serious injury or death.

After the 2023 law passed, some law enforcement agencies withdrew officers from schools, citing unclear rules. Controversy has continued, particularly around students with disabilities, since prone restraints have been banned for special education students for about a decade.

The proposed 2024 bill would exempt SROs from the prone restraint ban but require training starting in 2025. Educators, law enforcement, and the Minnesota POST Board would collaborate on a model school policy to minimize restraint use. Trainings would focus on youth brain development and working with students with disabilities.

The bill has gone through multiple House and Senate committees and amendments. Law enforcement groups worry about limitations on officer authority, while parents and advocates emphasize student safety. Sen. Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton), whose special-needs child was injured by a school officer, highlighted the need for officer training.