Minnesota HF3489: What Service Providers Need to Know

Most Minnesota professional services owners don't realize that a provision buried in HF3489 could expose their business to serious criminal liability if an employee or contractor works on a school campus. The law creates a new felony offense specifically targeting anyone providing services to K-12 schools, and it takes effect August 1, 2026.

Here's what you need to know.

What the Law Does

Under Section 8 (Subdivision 2e) of HF3489, any person contracted to provide services to a K-12 school faces felony charges if they commit solicitation or grooming acts toward an enrolled student. The criminal penalties are substantial: up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.

Critically, this applies regardless of the student's age. The law doesn't distinguish between elementary, middle, or high school students.

"Contracted to provide services" is broad language. It includes tutors, coaches, contractors, vendors, consultants, and any small-business employee working on school premises or providing school-based services. If your business has any personnel in Minnesota K-12 schools after August 1, 2026, this law affects you.

Who This Affects

Professional services firms most directly impacted include:

• Tutoring and test-prep services
• Coaching and athletic training providers
• Maintenance, custodial, and facility contractors
• IT and technology service providers
• Mental health and counseling contractors
• Instructional consultants and curriculum vendors
• Any other business with employees or contractors on school property

Even if your company has strong policies and thorough background checks, the law creates criminal exposure for individual employees or contractors—which creates liability exposure for your business through employment practices, negligent hiring claims, or reputational damage.

What This Means for Your Business

The effective date is August 1, 2026, and the law applies to crimes committed on or after that date. This gives you time to prepare, but preparation matters.

Consider reviewing:

• Hiring practices: Background check depth and scope for school-based roles
• Training: Whether employees understand the specific conduct prohibited under this law
• Policies: Clear guidelines for employee conduct on school premises
• Contracts: Language addressing compliance with Minnesota criminal law and school district policies
• Insurance: Whether your employment practices liability coverage addresses this exposure

This isn't about overreacting. It's about understanding a new legal landscape before August 2026 arrives. The law is designed to protect students, and legitimate businesses can comply. But owners need to know the rule exists and what it requires.

The full text of HF3489 is available through the Minnesota Legislature website. Professional services associations and employment counsel can help members understand how this specific provision applies to their industry and operations.

Source: HF3489, Section 8 (Subd. 2e), effective August 1, 2026.