Committee hears testimony on anonymous threat reporting systems; bill laid over for revision and funding questions

The committee heard presentations on House File 3487, which would require or offer a state option for anonymous threat reporting systems (ATRS) and insist on behavioral threat assessment frameworks and training.

Rick Kaufman (Association of Metropolitan School Districts) told the committee anonymous reporting is a powerful prevention tool but warned that implementation without standards and funding would create a false sense of security. He said the current Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) tip line is not scaled to triage behavioral threats 24/7 and recommended clear standards, real‑time response protocols and dedicated funding.

Drew Evans, superintendent at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said the BCA operates a 24/7 tip line and a behavioral threat assessment management (BTAM) team designed to be a backstop for jurisdictions without local capacity, while endorsing locally tailored solutions in partnership with state support.

Sponsor Rep. Ray Rower described HF 3487 as a first draft that gives districts a choice: use the Department of Public Safety’s ATRS (free) or implement a local system that meets standards and includes public awareness and evidence‑based student training. Law‑enforcement, education and district stakeholders urged the committee to refine standards and provide funding; the committee laid the bill over for further consideration.

No final policy was adopted; the discussion emphasized standards, staffing, real‑time triage, and funding as key next steps.