SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved several bipartisan public safety bills authored by Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL – St. Paul) and supported by law enforcement associations and advocates for survivors.
HF 4137 would address constitutional problems in Minnesota’s stalking and harassment laws, portions of which have recently been struck down in the courts. The bill would strengthen these laws, ensuring that they remain available to protect victims and hold harassers and stalkers accountable.
“Those victimized by stalking and harassment deserve the opportunity to seek justice,” said Rep. Pinto. “It’s critical that this legislation pass this session in order to keep our criminal laws available to address this crime.”
HF 627 would create a model policy for eyewitness identification, to be used by law enforcement throughout the state.
“We must ensure law enforcement agencies use sound, science-based practices to identify perpetrators,” said Rep. Pinto. “Establishing guidelines for eyewitness identification will maximize the reliability of these procedures and better protect the innocent.”
Both bills await action in the Minnesota Senate.