Shield Act Would Give School Districts Grants for Bullet-proof Windows & Lockdown Systems

ST. PAUL (KVRR/KFGO) — Making Minnesota schools safer is the idea behind the Shield Act.

The bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Elliott Engen of White Bear Township.

He says it would provide funding for schools to set up security plans using technology like bullet-proof windows and doors, lockdown systems, and direct communication with law enforcement.

Engen wants the grants to be available to all school districts in Minnesota.

“This bill isn’t about hardening schools. I think we’ve heard that a lot as well. Um, people have a tendency to just assume that we’re trying to create a prison environment out of a school and none of us want that,” said Engen.

Rick Kaufman of Bloomington Public Schools told the committee, “School safety cannot be solved by locks and doors alone. It must start with people and products with a focus on intervention and prevention.”

The bill now heads to the House Public Safety, Finance and Policy committee.