A new law beginning August 1st makes grooming a minor a felony, while adding new rules and training requirements for educators and law enforcement.

Starting Aug. 1st anyone 18 or older who tries to build a false trusting relationship with a child to later engage in sexual conduct — whether any sexual activity happens — can be charged with a felony in Minnesota.

Under the new law, police departments will also be required to notify the appropriate licensing board if a teacher is criminally charged with an offense that triggers automatic license denial, revocation without a right to a hearing, or with any other offense that requires the person to register as a predatory offender.

Throughout the legislative session, lawmakers said they sought to strengthen protections for children, and ensure that teachers facing serious charges are reported.

By Aug. 1, 2027, the DYCF will also be required to update mandated reporter training for education professionals, including training on how to identify and report grooming and threatened sexual abuse, the duty to report grooming as maltreatment, how to spot the warning signs and how to recognize riskier environments.