Friends,
Another busy week at the Capitol as many of my bills were heard in committee and dozens more from my colleagues were heard daily. This week I will highlight one of the most important ones.
Rep. Grossell along with Speaker Daudt standing up in support of the Line 3 Replacement Project.
Police Protection Legislation
On Thursday, the House Public Safety Committee heard the Police Protection Legislation by Public Safety Chair Brian Johnson and myself. Chair Johnson’s bill (HF3610) would increase the penalty for assaulting a police officer and my bill (HF4082) bill would prevent police disarmament by local agencies.
“Any law enforcement officer that has been in these situations will tell you: there is a stark difference between assaulting an officer and resisting arrest,” said Chair Johnson, a retired law enforcement officer. “It is important that we increase the punishment for assaulting the officers that selflessly serve and protect their communities every day; we owe it to these men and women to pass this bill this session.”
Chair Johnson's bill will change a physical assault against a peace officer from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. It will carry a maximum sentence of up to two years in prison or a fine up to $4,000, or both.
As a former law enforcement officer, I know how they put their lives on the line every day in service to the public. Every day there are situations that go from non-threatening and escalate to life-threatening. For the safety of the officer and the public, the idea of local politicians disarming police is dangerous. My bill is about keeping our police officers and the public they serve safe.
My bill will prevent a mayor, city council, county board, or chief law enforcement officer from disarming a peace officer who is in good standing and not currently under investigation or subject to disciplinary action. As many of you know, I was shot in the line of duty while responding to a minor disturbance call. I authored this bill in response to calls from local politicians proposing to disarm police. Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) is the author of the Senate companion to my bill.
Chair Johnson's bill passed out of committee and will next be heard in Ways and Means. My bill passed out of committee and will next be heard in Government Operations and Election Policy Committee.
A link to the press conference is available here and a link to a short video on my bill is available here and below.
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts or concerns. My phone number is 651-296-4265 or you can email me at rep.matt.grossell@house.mn.
Have a great week and God bless!
Matt