SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee advanced legislation authored by Rep. John Huot (DFL-Rosemount).
“Last June, an individual impersonated a peace police officer using police tactical gear and emergency transportation lights,” said Rep. Huot. “He violated precious public trust to deceive and assassinate my friend Melissa, her husband Mark, and their Golden Retriever, Gilbert.
“All Minnesotans deserve to be safe in their communities and homes. They deserve to know that when they call for help, they can trust that a trained public safety officer will respond quickly. This bill upholds the integrity of our local police departments and holds bad actors accountable.”
Rep. Huot’s legislation would require the removal of any equipment or insignia that could mislead a reasonable person to believe a vehicle is used for public safety purposes before the sale or transfer of a vehicle to a member of the general public. Any violation of this law would subject the seller to a civil penalty of $2,500.
On February 24, legislators advanced legislation in the House Public Safety Committee enhancing the criminal penalty for impersonating a member of law enforcement on a unanimous, bipartisan vote.
The bill passed and was referred to the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.
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