Purpose

• The bill aims to strengthen security and protective services for certain state officials and state facilities. It would expand the Minnesota State Patrol’s authority to provide protective services, require reporting and funding for these changes, and add new codified language in Minnesota statutes (including Chapter 299E).

Main Provisions

• State Patrol powers and duties expanded

  • The commissioner would have authority to deploy and assign a chief supervisor, chief assistant supervisor, and other officers as needed to form the Minnesota State Patrol.
  • State Patrol officers would have peace officer powers to enforce laws related to protection of and use of trunk highways, direct traffic (including in emergencies), and take actions to keep traffic and people safe.
  • They could perform tasks such as serving search warrants and arrest warrants related to criminal motor vehicle and traffic violations anywhere in the state; serving orders issued under Driver’s License Law, Safety Section, or related programs; inspecting brake and light testing stations; conducting traffic safety education and school bus clinics.
  • They would have similar enforcement powers on trunk highways as sheriffs and police officers, and could cooperate with sheriffs and other police officers state-wide, with certain exceptions (e.g., not for strikes or labor disputes).
  • They could assist and aid any peace officer whose life or safety is in jeopardy.
  • They would provide security and protection for the governor, and, with governor consultation, for other state officials or properties as needed.
  • They could inspect school buses for equipment, pollution control, and registration compliance; arrest for offenses committed in their presence; and enforce federal out-of-service criteria for commercial vehicles when applicable.

• Security for additional officials and properties

  • After consultation with the governor, the commissioner may require the State Patrol to provide security for Supreme Court justices, legislators, and constitutional officers other than the governor for a limited period, as resources allow, in response to credible threats.

• Off-hours and overtime protections

  • The state may contract for State Patrol members to render the described services outside their regular hours, with compensation and conditions set by the agreement.

• Oath requirement

  • Employees who are employed under these additional duties must subscribe an oath.

• Codification and funding

  • The bill would add a new subdivision to the existing statutes and codify the new authority in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 299E.1.7, and it would require reporting and appropriations to fund these changes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands the role and authority of the Minnesota State Patrol beyond traditional traffic enforcement to include protective services for high-level state officials and state properties.
• Introduces the possibility of temporary security details for the governor’s protection and for other officials or buildings when threats are credible.
• Creates a framework for off-duty or overtime protective services, funded by new appropriations and governed by formal agreements.
• Adds an oath requirement for personnel engaged in these expanded duties.
• Establishes intent to codify these protections into Chapter 299E with a new subdivision.

Practical Implications

• The State Patrol would take on broader protective duties, potentially affecting resource allocation and staffing decisions.
• High-profile security tasks could be undertaken for shorter or limited periods in response to threats.
• Funding and oversight would be tied to new appropriations and reporting requirements.

Relevant Terms - Minnesota State Patrol - peace officers - security and protection - governor - Supreme Court justices - legislators - constitutional officers - state buildings/state property - credible threat - traffic safety and trunk highways - search warrants / arrest warrants - school buses (inspections) - overtime/contracting for services - oath (of employees) - Minnesota Statutes 299D.03 - Minnesota Statutes 299E.01 and 299E.1.7 - reporting and appropriation