House Public Safety Members Call for Immediate Action on School Safety Following District 196 Threats
ST. PAUL, MN – Following online threats that surfaced early this morning, forcing closures across Independent School District 196 “out of an abundance of caution,” House Republicans are renewing their call for immediate action on a comprehensive school safety plan to better protect Minnesota students.
In response, Republican current and former law enforcement members of the House Public Safety Committee issued the following statement:
“Today’s school closures in District 196 are a sobering reminder that threats to our schools are not theoretical—they are real, they are happening, and they are disrupting the lives of Minnesota students and families,” said Chair Paul Novotny (R–Elk River). “We are grateful for the rapid response from law enforcement and school officials, but Minnesotans deserve more than reactive measures. They deserve a proactive plan that keeps students safe every single day.”
House Republicans have put forward a comprehensive school safety package focused on prevention, protection, and accountability. The plan expands school safety funding to non-public schools, allocates school security grants to provide physical safety within school buildings, provides greater flexibility for schools to invest in safety improvements, ensures School Resource Officers are available in every school, increases mental health treatment capacity, and establishes mandatory minimum sentences for repeat violent gun offenders and straw purchasers.
“Student safety depends on strong partnerships between schools, families, and law enforcement—but it also requires policies that actually address the root causes of violence,” said Vice Chair Jeff Witte (R–Lakeville). “That means equipping schools with the tools they need, supporting mental health resources, and holding dangerous offenders accountable.”
Members also emphasized that the plan is rooted in practical, results-driven solutions.
“Minnesotans expect us to act when it comes to protecting their kids,” Rep. Bidal Duran (R–Bemidji). “Our plan delivers real solutions to improve school safety, expand access to mental health care, and ensure criminals are held accountable.”
“This plan reflects a serious commitment to keeping our schools safe, and we stand ready to work with anyone willing to put students first,” added Rep. Terry Stier (R–Belle Plaine).
House Republicans are urging immediate consideration of these proposals and stand ready to act—whether during the current session or in a special session—to ensure Minnesota schools remain safe places to learn.
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