Rep. Myers Secures School and Community Safety Provision in Social Media Bill

St. Paul — A provision authored by State Representative Andrew Myers, R-Tonka Bay, requiring social media platforms to report credible threats of mass violence tied to Minnesota was added to H.F. 4138 before the bill passed the Minnesota House. This includes acts that may impact schools, religious institutions, or areas where mass violence events could take place.

Myers’ provision requires platforms to report qualifying threats to the Minnesota Fusion Center within 24 hours, or sooner if the threat indicates an imminent mass violence event. The language applies to threats involving a mass violence event in Minnesota, or a threat made by or against an individual or group located in Minnesota.

“Online threats can move fast, and public safety officials need timely information to respond,” Myers said. “This is about creating a proactive approach to protecting Minnesotans and making sure warning signs are acted on before it is too late.”

The provision reflects Myers’ broader approach this session: proactive legislating that identifies problems early and puts practical solutions in place before Minnesotans are forced to deal with the consequences. In this case, that means creating a clear reporting standard so law enforcement and public safety officials can receive timely information when credible threats of targeted violence, mass casualty violence, or terrorism are identified.

“My approach has been simple: we should be looking ahead, identifying risks, and solving problems before they become bigger ones,” Myers said. “This amendment follows that same mindset. If a credible threat of mass violence tied to Minnesota appears online, we need a process that helps get that information to the right people quickly.”

H.F. 4138 passed the House with Myers’ provision included.