New Minnesota Bill Seeks To Redefine Grooming For Minors

Minnesota Bill Would Make Grooming a Felony, Add New School Safety Requirements

A bill moving through the Minnesota Legislature would create a new felony crime for grooming minors and impose stricter safety requirements for teachers and school staff—changes that could affect school districts across Central Minnesota.

House File 3489, authored by Rep. Peggy Bennett (R–Albert Lea), is aimed at addressing gaps in current law that supporters say make it difficult to intervene early when adults form inappropriate relationships with students.

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Grooming Would Become a Criminal Offense

Under the bill, grooming would be defined in Minnesota law as a pattern of behavior intended to gain a child’s trust with the goal of facilitating sexual abuse or exploitation.

Currently, prosecutors often must wait until more explicit criminal acts occur before charges can be filed. Supporters of the legislation say creating a specific grooming offense would allow law enforcement to act sooner.

If enacted, grooming a minor under age 16 would be classified as a felony.

The proposal follows cases in Minnesota where investigators identified grooming behavior but could not pursue charges under existing statutes.

New Restrictions During School Field Trips

The bill would also prohibit school employees, contractors, and volunteers from being alone with students during school-sponsored field trips, including overnight trips.

That change would affect school districts throughout Central Minnesota, including St. Cloud, Sartell-St. Stephen, Sauk Rapids-Rice, and surrounding districts.

Supporters say the requirement is intended to reduce opportunities for misconduct and protect both students and staff.

However, some education officials have raised concerns that strict one-on-one bans could create logistical challenges, particularly in situations where staff must provide individual assistance or supervision.

Expanded Training and Reporting Requirements

The legislation would require additional training for teachers and other school staff to help identify and report grooming behaviors.

It would also strengthen reporting and oversight requirements involving suspected misconduct.

These changes would apply to educators and staff statewide, including those working in Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, and Wright County school systems.

Legislative Status

House File 3489 has cleared the House Education Policy Committee and is now under consideration by the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.

The bill must still pass both the Minnesota House and Senate and be signed by the governor before becoming law.

Potential Impact in Central Minnesota

If approved, the bill would require school districts to review supervision policies, update training procedures, and comply with new safety requirements.

Supporters say the proposal strengthens protections for students. Critics say lawmakers will need to ensure the changes can be implemented effectively in real-world school environments.

The legislation remains under review.