SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House passed HF 5216, the joint Public Safety and Judiciary and Civil Law Supplemental Budget Bill on a 71-57 vote. The public safety portion of the bill continues House Democrats’ comprehensive approach to public safety and crime prevention with support for victims, corrections staff assistance, traffic stop reform, and more.
The package includes legislation, authored by Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope), that would establish Traffic Stop Reform and a Working Group. Additionally, $133,000 is appropriated to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to create a Motor Vehicle Registration Compliance Working Group. This group will research potential alternatives for collecting motor vehicle registration taxes and fees besides a citation from a law enforcement officer.
"We cannot ignore the deep-seated distrust that has festered between law enforcement and communities of color in America for far too long," declared Rep. Frazier, the Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. "This legislation is a critical first step to mend that divide and build a foundation of trust and cooperation. In Minnesota, Black and BIPOC motorists have faced deadly consequences during traffic stops, a reality we must confront head-on. The creation of these working groups signifies DFLer’s unwavering commitment to reforming traffic stops and finding alternative methods for collecting registration fees. This is about responsible governance, ensuring the safety of all Minnesotans with dignity and respect."
Furthermore, this provision requires peace officers to notify drivers during a traffic stop of the reason for the stop before questioning them about their alleged violation. This requirement is modeled after a recent California law. Research shows that this simple reform can significantly reduce racial profiling and pretextual stops, and thus reduce negative interactions with peace officers.
Video of Friday’s floor session is available on House Public Information Services YouTube channel.