Johnson appointed chairman of House Public Safety Committee

Rep. Brian Johnson

House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) announced the appointment in a statement Thursday, citing Johnson’s two decades of experience in law enforcement that will “serve him well” as the committee’s chair.

“I look forward to the important work ahead of us during the 2018 session, and to putting my experience as a law enforcement officer to good use as we work to ensure the safety and security of Minnesota families,” Johnson said in the statement. "This committee deals with a wide range of policy and finance issues, and I expect robust discussion from my colleagues on the committee as we look ahead to the next legislative session."

Johnson will succeed former Rep. Tony Cornish, who resigned in November amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

A three-term House member, Johnson had previously served as the committee’s vice chair.