Senate and House Republicans presented their Safe & Sound Minnesota public safety plan to confront the threat of violent and repeat criminals, strengthen police, and improve training for law enforcement. 

“With violent crimes on the rise across the state, public safety remains a primary concern for Minnesotans,” Senator Gary Dahms (R ‒ Redwood Falls) said. “It’s time for our state to get tough on crime and send the message that if you commit a violent crime, there will be tough consequences. Minnesotans have the right to feel safe in their communities, and the Republican public safety plan contains key legislation that will help ensure just that.” 

The package includes 17 different bills from different Republican authors across the state. Confronting the criminal threat would include new laws to add a new crime of carjacking to state statute, increase penalties for fleeing police in a motor vehicle, align fentanyl to the same weight thresholds and penalties as heroin, and increase sentences for those convicted with at least two prior crimes of violence. 

Republicans continue to throw their support behind our state’s law enforcement officers with robust recruitment, training, and retention plans. The Safe & Sound Minnesota plan provides $1 million for Pathway to Policing, the award-winning program that brings new recruits into public safety from other careers. They also include $5 million for college scholarships and technology to help law enforcement students prepare for their roles, and $15 million for bodycams for law enforcement departments. The plan also fulfills a request of $168 million for police and first responder pension funds. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee soon. 

“Our peace officers do an exceptional job serving our communities. However, many law enforcement departments face staffing issues. It’s essential to make strong investments in recruiting new officers to this admirable career,” Senator Dahms concluded. 

To address concerns that violent, repeat offenders are too often released, there is a new mandatory minimum sentence for dangerous criminals who commit crimes with firearms. Finally, the plan would also make public whoever posts bail payments. Recent scrutiny on non-profits bailing out violent criminals shows Minnesotans are at risk when these non-profits are not held accountable for their decisions. 

Click here to view the full bills that make up the Safe & Sound Minnesota plan. 

Click here to hear more of Senator Dahms’s comments.