C-Notes: March 13, 2025
Executive Director Report
This week was very busy at the Legislature. A bill to extend the Philando Castile Memorial Training fund was heard in the House Public Safety Committee. This is the fund that reimburses agencies for POST Mandated training. The fund is currently scheduled to sunset at the end of the next year. If the bill is not passed, every agency will see a 66% reduction in the funds reimbursed from POST for mandated training ($620 per officer). Thank you, Starbuck Chief Mitch Johnsrud, for making the 2.5-hour drive to testify on our behalf about the importance of these funds and the impact on agencies, small agencies in particular, if these funds were to be eliminated. Thanks to all the other Chiefs who came down to the capital for the hearing on Tuesday.
There was another bill heard on Tuesday that protects the personal information of Police Officers. Identic
al to the protections given to Judges, this bill protects the following personal data of a police officer:
- The residential address of a police officer and the police officer's spouse, domestic partner, and children.
- Nonemployer-issued cell phone and email addresses
- The name of any child of a police Officer
- The name of any child care facility or school attended by a child of a police Officer
This bill will move to the next committee stop. Thank you to Blaine Chief Brian Podany for testifying on behalf of MCPA on the bill.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
ETI Session Highlight
We have many great sessions in store for ETI 2025 next month! The opening session on Monday night will be all about the Roles and Response of State Law Enforcement during the 2020 Civil Unrest.
During the civil unrest and violence which unfolded in May of 2020, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, along with numerous local, state, and federal government partners, established a Multi-Agency Command Center (MACC). The state’s public safety role was managed by the Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota Fusion Center. This presentation will provide an overview of MACC operations in 2020, provide detailed explanations of some of the state law enforcement operations taken in response to civil unrest activity, and explain the challenges and best practices learned during that time. Attendees will also become aware of the importance of establishing interagency partnerships and ensuring technological interoperability prior to a flashpoint event occurring. Attendees will also be provided information about the general tactics and leadership techniques employed during this unprecedented civil unrest activity.
Learn more about this session and view the full schedule online.
There's still time to register for ETI in Rochester, April 7-10.
BCA-FBI-CJIS Cybersecurity Preparation Services
The Minnesota Security Consortium (MNSec) is a non-profit consortium created to help your Agency and City to have a proper Cybersecurity Program and to get through the CJIS audit process. The recently modernized CJIS 6.0 Security Policy requirements are Huge (a policy Beast!) and require a lot of expertise.
MNSec can serve as your LASO or assist your current LASO & IT Department. Our LASO’s are certified Cybersecurity experts and have real Law Enforcement experience. We have been doing CJIS with the BCA for almost 10 years.
Scope of Work for a Small Annual Fee:
- Customize CJIS Policies and Detailed Procedures for the Agency;
- Keep CJIS Documentation updated on a Quarterly/Annual Basis
- Assist Agencies in BCA Information Technology Security Online Audits;
- Assist Agencies in BCA Information Technology Security ONSITE Audits;
- Assist Agencies in FBI Information Technology Security ONSITE Audits;
- Professional Online Collaboration Software;
- We will also help agencies guide their IT Departments in the Remediation Reports that are issued by the BCA/FBI at the end of each audit.
- Peace of Mind for Chiefs!!!
Learn more at www.mnsec.org. You can also call 218-955-3110 or email dhilton@mnsec.org.
This program was created for all of you!
MPCA Board of Director Elections
This meeting is a key opportunity to participate in the governance of our Association and stay informed about our latest initiatives.
If you’re interested in stepping into a leadership role, we are now accepting applications for the following open Board positions:
- Second Vice President
- Third Vice President
- Secretary
- Sergeant-at-Arms
- Director (2 positions available)
To apply, please complete the submission form by March 28.
For details on Board responsibilities and governance, please review the MCPA Bylaws.
We encourage all members to attend and participate in shaping MCPA’s leadership for the year ahead.
Police Chief Opening in Becker, MN
The City of Becker is hiring a full-time Police Chief to lead and manage its Police Department. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, law enforcement experience with supervisory background, and be licensed or eligible for licensure by the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board.
Salary range: $116,896 – $151,944, plus excellent benefits. Applicants must pass a background check, psychological exam, and fitness agility test.
Apply by Monday, March 31, at 4:00 p.m. More details and application instructions: City of Becker Job Posting.
Chief Eric Peterson Retirement Party
Peer Support Training
MCPA, in partnership with the Bloomington and Eagan Police Departments and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation, is offering a state-approved Peer Support Training designed for Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) and Command Staff.
Dates: May 5–8, 2025
Location: Black Box Theater, Bloomington Civic Plaza
Cost: $250 per attendee
Lunch and daily snacks are provided.
This 30-hour, POST Board-approved training equips leaders with the skills to support their peers and foster a culture of wellness. Participants will learn practical strategies for stress management, mental health support, and suicide prevention in law enforcement.
Registration is open until April 28, 2025, with limited spots available.
Sheriff Tim Riley Retirement Celebration
Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement Appreciation Nights
The Minnesota Wild are partnering with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA) to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities. Join them at the Xcel Energy Center for two special games featuring a “THANK YOU” ticket offer on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
These nights are open to all local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, corrections officers, sheriffs, security professionals, public safety workers, first responders, and their families, as well as the general public.
Ticket packages range from $38 to $99 and include:
- A donation to both NLEOMF and LEMA.
- An exclusive opportunity to take a photo on the ice.
For groups of 8 or more, contact Minnesota Wild Representative Karen Reisinger at 651-312-3486 or kreisinger@wild.com.
Minnesota Twins First Responders Night
The Minnesota Twins and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) are teaming up for a special night of appreciation for first responders. First Responders Night will take place at Target Field on Friday, April 25, when the Twins face the Los Angeles Angels at 7:10 p.m.
This exclusive ticket package includes:
- Game ticket
- Limited-edition First Responders Twins cap (choose from Police, Fire, or EMS)
- $5 donation to the corresponding organization based on your hat selection:
- National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (Police)
- Minneapolis Fire Foundation (Fire)
- Minnesota Ambulance Association (EMS)
Ticket packages start at just $23 and are open to all law enforcement personnel, first responders, family, friends, and the general public.
For group tickets (20+), contact Liz Pilarski at LizPilarski@twins.com or (612) 659-3852.
Legislative Update
Overview
On Thursday the state’s finance agency, Minnesota Management and Budget, released the February 2025 Budget and Economic Forecast. This forecast is the final economic update the Legislature will receive before the budget-making process begins this session. The previous forecast released last fall showed a $616 million budget surplus for the balance of this biennium, which ends on June 30, and a $5.1 billion budget deficit for the FY 2028-29 biennium, or the “out” biennium, which is the biennium that begins on July 1, 2027.
The forecast released this week shows that the state’s financial situation has gotten worse. The projected surplus for the current biennium has been revised downward to $456 million, $160 million lower than previously forecasted. The projected deficit for the “out” biennium two years from now, is now $5.995 billion, $852 million worse than the previous forecast in November.
There is no requirement for the current Legislature to take action to address future budgets, only the budget that’s imminent. It’s entirely likely that we could simply leave this session with a status quo budget and cross our fingers that the projections for the economy and future state spending trends are lower than projected when the 2027 Legislature convenes.
Legislative leaders recently announced April 11 as their deadline by which the finance committees need to pass their budget bills to the House and Senate floor. Legislators will use the latest forecast to establish budget targets for each committee and the committee chairs will work out the details from there. The Legislature must adjourn by May 19 pursuant to the constitution. However, the state’s fiscal year ends at midnight on June 30, and if no budget is passed by then, the state government shuts down. While we are all hopeful that we’re done by May 19, most around the Capitol believe that we will need a special session sometime late in June to finish our work.
In the House, the following public safety bills were taken up on the floor with the following actions:
HF13 (Bliss) The “duty to retreat” legal standard will remain the case because the House was unable to garner enough votes Thursday to pass, which would have allowed a person to use reasonable force in self-defense “regardless of whether a reasonable possibility of retreat to avoid the danger exists.”
HF129 (Repinski) Director of child sex trafficking prevention required to submit a program evaluation each odd-numbered year to the legislature. The bill passed unanimously 132-0.
HF286 (Perryman) Would allow local units of government to conduct criminal background checks under certain circumstances. The bill passed unanimously 132-0.
HF124 (Berg) Acceptance of certain gifts related to a line of duty death of a public safety officer allowed, and local government expenditure authorized for public safety officer killed in line of duty. The bill passed unanimously 132-0.
Public Safety Committees
On Monday in the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee the hearing’s agenda included a list of legislation within its jurisdiction regarding criminal enhancement. One of the bills was SF319 (Koran) that establishes a penalty for a crime of altering controlled substances with fentanyl. MCPA executive director Jeff Potts testified in support of the bill while sharing statistics and real-world examples of the dangers of fentanyl. Wednesday’s hearing focused on legislation regarding victim services.
In the House, the Public Safety Committee heard three bills on Tuesday focused on behavior and requirements in correctional facilities. The also heard HF538 (Stier) regarding the modification for use of deadly force by peace officer to protect person from apparent death. The bill passed out of committee with testimony in support of the bill from Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and MCPA. On Wednesday, the committee heard three bills relating to arson and one regarding violent offenders. The last bill on the agenda for this day was HF1354 (Moller) that would limit the scope of video made available by Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for officer-involved death investigations. This bill was brought forward by the BCA and received testimony from Superintendent Drew Evans where he explains the reasoning for the bill is to narrow the scope of what video is shared after these investigations, not sharing video footage that may not be relevant to the incident and the private data that needs to be redacted. This time intensive redaction effort is often difficult to complete within the 30-day statutory timeframe.
Legislation of Interest
Full report of legislation tracked for MCPA
Training Funding
SF1701 (Duckworth) / HF1256 (Novotny) Certain law enforcement training ($6 million) reimbursement funding extended.
Scheduled Hearing: March 11, 2025 Public Safety Finance and Policy (House)
Actions:
February 20, 2025
Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy (in the House)
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
Brady Giglio
SF325 (Koran) / HF962 (Novotny) Peace officer exclusion from discipline for inclusion on the Brady-Giglio lists; Brady-Giglio lists examination task force establishment.
Actions:
February 19, 2025
Authors added Wolgamott, Robbins (in the House)
January 21, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
Scheduled hearing on February 26 (in the Senate)
SF599 (Seeberger) / HF1116 (Duran) Brady-Giglio designation for peace officers provided.
Actions:
February 19, 2025
Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy (in the House)
February 20, 2025
pg. 463. Scheduled hearing on February 26 (in the Senate)
S.F1813 (Westlin) Brady-Giglio lists prosecuting agencies guidelines and process provision
Actions:
February 24, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
Scheduled hearing on February 26 (in the Senate)
Buffer Zone
SF2212 (Seeberger) Crime to obstruct certain first responders by approaching or remaining too closely after being warned.
Actions:
March 6, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
Fleeing / Tracking
HF1744 (Stier) Expanded use of tracking devices authorized for fleeing motor vehicles.
Actions:
March 3, 2025
Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy (in the House)
HF1119 (Duran) Crime of fleeing in a motor vehicle and failing to obey traffic laws established.
Actions:
February 19, 2025
Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy (in the House)
SF191 (Gustafson) / HF340 (Stier) Crime of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle modification
Actions:
January 16, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
February 24, 2025
Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to Transportation Finance and Policy (in the House)
SF323 (Coleman) / HF332 (Engen) Crime of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle modification to add a heightened penalty for fleeing in a culpably negligent manner
Actions:
January 21, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
February 13, 2025
Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy (in the House)
SF758 (Eichorn) Crime of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle modification to add a heightened penalty for fleeing in a negligent manner
Actions:
January 30, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
SF1224 (Latz) Fleeing from a peace officer crime provisions modifications
Actions:
February 10, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
Use of Force
SF311 (Koran) / HF705 (Davis) Self-defense use of force provisions modifications
Actions:
January 27, 2025
pg. 199 (in the Senate)
February 13, 2025
Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy (in the House)
SF692 (Rasmusson) / HF541 (Stier) Use of force training reimbursement program establishment and appropriation
Actions:
January 27, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
March 6, 2025
Passed House floor 132-0 (in the House)
SF1088 (Draheim) Law clarification on use of force in defense of home and person
Actions:
February 6, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)
SF1196 (Lieske) Law clarification on use of force in self-defense
Actions:
February 10, 2025
Introduction and first reading. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (in the Senate)