Purpose

The bill seeks to strengthen security and protective services for certain high-profile state officials and state property. It expands the Minnesota State Patrol’s duties, clarifies authority across the state, and sets up funding and reporting requirements to support these protections.

Main Provisions

• State Patrol leadership and staffing
  • The commissioner would be authorized to hire and designate a chief supervisor, chief assistant supervisor, and other supervisory and line personnel to form the Minnesota State Patrol.
• Expanded peace officer powers
  • State Patrol officers would have peace officer authority to enforce laws related to protecting and using trunk highways, direct traffic, respond to emergencies, and manage traffic in other settings as needed.
  • They would have authority to serve search warrants and arrest warrants anywhere in the state, and to handle duties related to the Drivers License Law and the Safety Responsibility Act, as well as inspecting brake and light testing stations.
  • They would conduct traffic safety education programs and school bus clinics, and enforce crime laws similarly to sheriffs and police officers (within their jurisdiction), with certain limitations (not applicable to strikes or industrial disputes).
  • They would cooperate with sheriffs and other police officers under the rules of the commissioner of public safety.
  • They would be empowered to assist and aid any peace officer whose life or safety is in jeopardy.
  • They would enforce the North American Uniform Out-of-Service Criteria and issue out-of-service orders.
• Security for state officials and property
  • After consulting with the governor or a designee, the commissioner could require State Patrol security and protection for the governor or governor-elect, the legislature (both houses) and state buildings or property for a limited period, as resources allow.
  • The same authority could apply to protect supreme court justices, legislators, and constitutional officers other than the governor, under a limited period and with resource constraints.
• Contracting and compensation
  • The state may contract for State Patrol services beyond regular duty hours, with the contractors or patrol members being compensated as provided in the agreement.
• Oath of oath-taking
  • Employees who are designated for these duties would be required to subscribe to an oath.
• Statutory updates
  • The bill would add a subdivision to Minnesota Statutes section 299E.01 and amend other sections (299D.03 and 299E.01) to implement these changes.
• Procedural notes
  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and Policy for consideration.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands the Minnesota State Patrol’s role beyond traditional traffic enforcement to include protective surveillance and security for key state officials and properties.
• Allows serving warrants and performing related law enforcement duties across the entire state, increasing the Patrol’s reach.
• Creates a clear process for providing security to officials (governor, governor-elect, legislature, supreme court justices, and constitutional officers) during credible threats, with funding and staffing considerations.
• Enables contracting for additional security services and hours, with specified compensation terms.
• Requires an oath for personnel assigned to these duties.
• Introduces new or expanded authorities under Minnesota Statutes (adding a subdivision to 299E.01 and altering 299D.03 and related provisions).

Relevant Terms - Minnesota State Patrol - Peace officers - trunk highways - search warrants - arrest warrants - Drivers License Law - Safety Responsibility Act - brake and light testing stations - school bus clinics - cooperation with sheriffs and police officers - credible threat - governor and governor-elect - the legislature (both houses) - supreme court justices - constitutional officers - out-of-service criteria (North American Uniform Out-of-Service Criteria) - overtime / additional duty hours - contract for services - oath of office - authorization by the commissioner of public safety - reporting and funding/appropriation