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Dominica Bernstein, 651.297.8150
Dominica.Bernstein@house.mn.gov
News Release
Public Safety Bill Delivers Real Support for Officers, Tougher Penalties for Criminals, and Greater AccountabilityST. PAUL, MN — Today, House Public Safety Committee Chairman Paul Novotny (R–Elk River) issued the following statement after the Minnesota House passed the bipartisan Public Safety Omnibus Bill (HF 2432), which increases public safety funding by $50 million above base for FY 2026–2027 and delivers significant wins for Minnesota communities: “As a retired police officer, I know firsthand what it means to wear the badge and carry the weight of that responsibility. This bill is personal to me—not just as a legislator, but as someone who’s lived it. We made sure this legislation invests directly in the men and women on the ground who keep our neighborhoods safe, while holding offenders accountable and pushing for a more transparent justice system.”
HF 2432 focuses on core safety needs, smart corrections policy, and expanded officer training while eliminating waste and making targeted investments that will have a real impact. Key Republican Wins in HF 2432: Tougher penalties for sex traffickers who prey on minors, inmates who assault correctional officers, and individuals who expose children to deadly fentanyl. Over $8 million per year to help departments across Minnesota with officer training, use-of-force education, and reimbursement for local public safety efforts. Meaningful justice reform that extends the statute of limitations for first-degree arson, pauses the expiration of probation fees, and sets up a bipartisan working group on Brady-Giglio transparency. Redirected $23 million from past DFL overspending into essential, one-time upgrades for cybersecurity and court technology—without growing the size of government. Increased transparency at the Met Council by classifying certain members as “public officials” under state data practices laws. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting people,” Novotny continued. “Minnesotans want to feel safe in their homes, in their neighborhoods, and on their streets. This bill gets us closer to that goal, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make sure our communities are safer, stronger, and better supported.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for final approval. |