Walz Cites 'Progress' On School Resource Officer Dispute

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz and his administration say there has been"progress" on the dispute over the new law passed by Minnesota Democrats last spring.

The new law restricts school resource officers from holding students in a prone position and other restraints.

Since August, police agencies have voiced serious concerns the new restrictions will prevent them from breaking up hallway fights and other school incidents.

But Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison argue that no such session is needed because the law does not prevent officers from carrying out their duties.

During the recent impasse between law enforcement and the state government, many police departments decided to pull their resource officers from schools.

State Republicans have called for a special legislative session to improve the controversial language, but Democrats — who control both chambers and the governor's mansion — declined.

On Thursday, Walz said he had "a productive meeting with law enforcement and legislative leaders where we made significant progress in coming to an agreement that will help ensure school safety."

"Law enforcement leaders came to the Attorney General with valid questions, and I am grateful for the Attorney General’s binding opinion clarifying that school resource officers can continue to do their jobs effectively," Walz continued. "I am committed to further addressing this issue next legislative session and eager to see school resource officers return to schools as soon as possible."

More than a dozen law enforcement agencies suspended their resource officer program due to the law. It's not clear what effect Walz's meeting will have on their programs going forward.

City Police Departments

• Alexandria Police Department
• Blaine Police Department
• Burnsville Police Department
• Champlin Police Department
• Coon Rapids Police Department
• Eagan Police Department
• Faribault Police Department
• Moorhead Police Department
• Plymouth Police Department
• Redwood Falls Police Department
• Wayzata Police Department

County Sheriffs

• Anoka County Sheriff's Office
• Clay County Sheriff's Office
• Hennepin County Sheriff's Office