Identifying and investigating hate incidents and hate crimes targeting persons of Asian or Asian Indian descent and Office of Ombudsperson for Anti-Asian, Anti- Asian Indian, and Anti-religious Hate Prevention Establishment and appropriation

This bill establishes a new Office of the Ombudsperson for Anti-Asian, Anti-Asian Indian, and Anti-Religious Hate Prevention to address gaps in identifying and investigating hate incidents and crimes targeting Asian and Asian Indian individuals in Minnesota. The ombudsperson will receive complaints, assist victims in navigating reporting processes, collect disaggregated data on bias incidents, and coordinate with law enforcement, schools, and community organizations to improve response efforts. The office will also develop bias-aware training and cultural competency education for state agencies, local law enforcement, and K-12 schools to help prevent and respond to hate-motivated conduct. The bill includes provisions for funding the office and requires the ombudsperson to report findings and recommendations to legislative committees.