This bill expands Minnesota's assault laws to protect firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and hospital emergency department staff from physical attacks. Under the new provisions, physically assaulting these workers while they are performing their duties would be classified as a gross misdemeanor, while assaults causing demonstrable bodily harm would be elevated to a felony punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of $6,000. The changes apply to municipal and volunteer firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and physicians, nurses, or other healthcare workers working in hospital emergency departments. The legislation takes effect on August 1, 2026, and applies only to crimes committed on or after that date.
This bill establishes a public safety radio account and increases fees for the criminal justice data communications network in Minnesota. It directly affects criminal justice agencies, federal security clearance investigators, and other state agencies that need access to secure criminal history records. The key provision sets a $100 monthly fee per terminal for network access, with half of each fee deposited into the new public safety radio account. Additionally, the bill outlines strict security requirements, including mandatory background checks and compliance with data policies, for any agency seeking secure network connections.
This bill allocates $1.75 million from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to help develop and implement a unified 911 center awareness platform. The money will be given to the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board to create a system that enables 911 centers to communicate and coordinate emergency responses across different jurisdictional boundaries in real time. The grant also covers two years of maintenance costs for the platform. This legislation directly affects public safety officials and emergency response centers by providing funding for improved communication infrastructure.
This bill authorizes the issuance of up to $10 million in state bonds to fund a new regional public safety facility in Corcoran, Minnesota. The funds will be used to design, build, and equip a facility that serves as an emergency operations center and training space for law enforcement agencies in western metro communities. The legislation directs the commissioner of public safety to manage the grant and construction process while the commissioner of management and budget handles the bond sale. Once enacted, the money will come from the state's bond proceeds fund to support this infrastructure project.
This bill requires law enforcement agencies to disclose the name, product number, and quantity of chemical irritants (like pepper spray) used during specific operations in buildings. It applies when officers execute search warrants, apprehend suspects, or attempt to apprehend suspects. Upon request, agencies must share this information with building owners, tenants, insurers, and cleaning/remediation service providers. The disclosure must be made regardless of data classification rules, ensuring transparency about chemical deployments. The bill directly affects law enforcement practices and building occupants' awareness of chemical exposure.
HF 491 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit. The funding supports mental health services and outdoor recreational activities for current and former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. The bill directs these services to promote positive mental health, longevity, quality of life, and interactions with mental health professionals through organized outdoor programs. It does not create new policy but allocates specific funds to an existing nonprofit for targeted support of first responders.
Tags
Public Safety
HF 1354 requires Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to make publicly available, within 30 days of case closure, video footage documenting officer-involved death investigations that is already public under other laws. It specifically limits the scope of video shared to only footage recording actions and circumstances surrounding the incident. The bill also mandates an annual report to state leaders by February 1st detailing investigation statistics, outcomes, and charging decisions. This affects the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the public accessing these records. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299C.80, subdivision 6.
SF 763 eliminates the Public Safety Advisory Council established under Minnesota law. The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes section 626.8435, which created the council and outlined its 15-member structure, duties, and reporting requirements. This change removes the council's role in reviewing policing policies and making recommendations to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, though it updates related reporting provisions in section 626.8457 to no longer reference the council. The bill directly affects the council's existence and related reporting obligations for law enforcement agencies.
Tags
Public Safety
HF 2189 establishes a new public safety aid program providing $300 million in fiscal year 2026 to counties, Tribal governments, and qualifying local units (cities/towns with 10,000+ population). The aid is calculated based on population using three allowances: a county basic allowance, county additional allowance, and local unit allowance, with 70% of funds going to local units and 30% to counties/Tribal governments. Funds must be used for public safety services like community violence prevention, mental health crisis response, and first responder equipment, but cannot cover police station construction, tactical vehicles, or misconduct costs. The commissioner will certify payments by September 2025, with full disbursement by December 2025.
This bill amends Minnesota law to make it a crime for someone to approach or remain within 25 feet of a firefighter, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, or certain healthcare providers who are providing emergency care, after being verbally warned not to do so and with the intent to interfere. It directly affects first responders and healthcare providers working in emergency situations, as well as individuals who violate this restriction. The key provision requires that the person must know the responder's status, have received a warning, and intend to impede their duties. The law becomes effective August 1, 2025.
Tags
Public Safety
