House Public Safety Committee advances legislation that increases criminal penalty for
impersonating law enforcement
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House Public Safety Finance & Policy Committee advanced a proposal to enhance the criminal penalty for impersonating a member of law enforcement. The bill was presented by the authors Rep. Ginny Klevorn (DFL- Plymouth) and Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove).
“Minnesotans deserve to be safe in their communities. They deserve to be safe in their homes,” said Rep. Klevorn. “When Minnesotans place their lives in the response of trained police and peace officers, that trust is sacred. When that trust is violated by an individual impersonating a law enforcement officer, the individuals responsible must be held accountable. I’m thankful for the collaboration with local law enforcement in the drafting of this important legislation. We must protect the integrity of law enforcement while at the same time enhancing public safety.”
“We hold our local police departments to high standards and are proud that they consistently exceed expectations,” said Rep. Bahner. “I implicitly trust my Chief and local officers to keep me, my family, and my community safe. Last June, that trust was broken by a man attempting to tarnish the good work of our law enforcement professionals. This bill is the first step to affirm high standards, restore public trust, and ensure our neighbors can once again feel safe.”
Under HF 3404, current offenses considered a misdemeanor would become a gross misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor offense would become a felony with a maximum prison sentence of three years, and the maximum prison sentence for a felony offense would increase by five years.
The legislation is supported by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and the Minnesota Sheriffs Association. Their joint written testimony can be found at this link.
The bill advanced on a unanimous vote. Its next stop is the House Ways and Means Committee.
Video from today’s hearing can be found at this link.
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