Law Enforcement Appreciation Day establishment; law enforcement explorer programs in schools establishment; peace officer training funding establishment; pathway to policing reimbursement grants authorization; appropriating money

SF 2126 establishes January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Minnesota, requiring the governor to issue an annual proclamation. It encourages school districts to partner with law enforcement agencies to create middle and high school "explorer programs" about law enforcement careers, which can count as course credit. The bill appropriates $6 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2027 to reimburse agencies for mandatory peace officer training, and $1 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund grants covering up to 50% of costs for local "pathway to policing" programs recruiting non-traditional candidates. These provisions directly affect schools, law enforcement agencies, and local governments seeking to support officer training and recruitment.