SF4019

Purpose

To strengthen penalties for impersonating a peace officer and to deter deceptive behavior that can mislead the public or facilitate other crimes. The bill would expand when impersonation is punishable and raise consequences, especially in more serious or repeat offenses.

Main Provisions

• Subdivision 1 – Impersonating a Peace Officer with Intent to Mislead

  • Makes falsely impersonating a peace officer with intent to mislead a misdemeanor.
  • Penalty: up to 2 years in prison or a fine up to $4,000, or both.

• Subdivision 2 – Gross Misdemeanor for Certain Related Acts

  • Creates a gross misdemeanor when the impersonation occurs while committing another crime or for specific acts (or combinations of acts), with higher penalties.
  • Examples of acts that can trigger the gross misdemeanor:
  • Gaining access to a public building or government facility that is not open to the public without legal authority.
  • Directing or ordering another person to act or refrain from acting.
  • Violating certain traffic or siren provisions under Minnesota law.
  • Operating a motor vehicle marked with words identifying it as a law enforcement vehicle (e.g., police, patrol, sheriff, deputy, trooper, state patrol, conservation officer, agent, marshal) or with insignia, lettering, or colorable imitation that would lead a reasonable person to believe the vehicle is a law enforcement vehicle (including badges, stars, shields, etc.).

• Subdivision 3 – Felony for Prior Violations

  • If the violation occurs within five years of a previous violation, it becomes a felony.
  • Penalty: up to 10 years in prison or a fine up to $20,000, or both.

• Amendment Scope

  • The above changes modify Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.4751 to increase penalties and expand the scope of conduct treated as impersonation.

Significance and Changes to Law

• Elevates penalties for impersonation from simple misrepresentation to a spectrum that includes misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony levels.
• Specifically targets acts that increase risk to public safety, such as unauthorized access to restricted spaces, directing others under false authority, and using or mimicking official law enforcement markings and vehicles.
• Introduces a higher risk consequence for repeat offenses within five years, creating a potential felony rather than a misdemeanor for individuals with prior violations.

Notable Terms Used in the Bill (key concepts)

• impersonating a peace officer
• mislead / intent to mislead
• misdemeanor
• gross misdemeanor
• felony
• law enforcement vehicle
• insignia / markings / colorable imitation
• badges / stars / shields
• restricted access / public building / government facility
• repeat offense / previous violation
• Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.4751

Relevant Terms - impersonating a peace officer - misdemeanor - gross misdemeanor - felony - law enforcement vehicle - insignia - badges - sirens - access to restricted buildings - repeat violation - penalties (jail time, fines)