Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs law making grooming a felony
Grooming is now a felony in Minnesota. Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill, which better protects kids, into law on Wednesday.
The legislation was introduced after a WCCO Investigative series where Hannah LoPresto shared what she calls the grooming and sexual assault by her high school band director. Her goal in speaking out was to close gaps in the law and better protect kids.
LoPresto, along with the detective who investigated her case, Chad Clausen, testified in several House and Senate committees. Both chambers passed it unanimously.
"I'm so happy, I'm so grateful, but it's still like that was me, like I was a part of that. I think it'll take a while to really feel the magnitude of what happened and what I was a part of," LoPresto said.
The law includes protections beyond making grooming a felony offense. It requires licensing boards to be notified if a teacher is charged with grooming, updates training on mandatory reporting and lifts the statute of limitations for Department of Education grooming investigations.
"We wouldn't be here without Hannah, and without her willingness to, you know, tell her story. And I look back at the first time I spoke with Hannah, and to where she is today, it's pretty, pretty remarkable to just have a tiny part of that, and so really proud of her, and proud of all the people that have given her voice," Clausen said.
"It's like future Hannah protected Hannah from the past, or little Hannah, and I think that's just such a good feeling to have, to feel like I was an agent in my own rescue," LoPresto said.
She says courage, vulnerability and teamwork got them to this point.
"The biggest takeaway for me is just that you can't plan the most extraordinary things in your life. It's just taught me to leave, leave some room in there, leave some room for the miracle. There's incredible things that are going to happen that you can't imagine, so don't crowd 'em out," LoPresto said.
Republican Rep. Peggy Bennett, who authored the bill in the House, told WCCO she's "beyond estatic" to hear the bill was signed into law.
"It gives me great comfort to know that this legislation can now get to work helping protect our children from sexual groomers. I am incredibly thankful to all those who helped keep this bill moving to the finish line, including Senator Maye Quade, who did an awesome job carrying the bill in the Senate, and amazing testifiers Hannah LoPresto and Detective Chad Clausen. This is a good day for Minnesota children," Bennett said.
DFL Senator Erin Maye Quade said the law is "a huge step toward ending grooming" in Minnesota.
"...It would not have been possible without Hannah LoPresto's relentless advocacy. This law is also part of my broader fight to make Minnesota the safest place to be a child. Hannah's strength is an inspiration as I continue the work of passing laws that stop predators and hold them accountable," she said.
The law goes into effect on Aug. 1.
The bill was one of 14 signed into law by the governor Wednesday, including an appropriations update to the new fraud watchdog Office of Inspector General, upgrades to improve "outdated human services technology" as well as a phase-out of the state Department of Natural Resources' electronic licensing system.
Sexual Assault Resources
- (SOS – Ramsey County)
- Sexual Violence Center (SVC – Hennepin County)
- Aurora Center (U of MN)
- 360 Communities (Dakota County)
- Hope Center (Rice County)
- Canvas Health (Washington County)
- Alexandra House (Anoka County)
General Sites for information related to sexual assault and resources throughout Minnesota:
General Sexual Assault Websites:
