Senate DFLers announced a comprehensive package of public safety measures in a press conference Tuesday. The package of bills seek to reduce and prevent crime by providing law enforcement, community groups, and criminal justice partners with the resources and tools they need.
“The package of bills we’re announcing today are a comprehensive approach to public safety, which will reduce crime now and prevent crime tomorrow by providing more than $500 million in funding for law enforcement, community groups, and our criminal justice partners,” said Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen. “These are serious proposals that recognize that while local communities are best equipped to determine what public safety looks like for them, it is our responsibility to step up and provide resources to make that vision possible.”
The package of four bills invests more than $500 million in public safety to reduce crime today and prevent crime tomorrow by investing in our communities, the courts and criminal justice system, and juvenile justice. The first bill, SF 4190, invests in prevention, intervention, and diversion programs in juvenile justice.
“The most important thing we can do to prevent crime is to provide opportunity to youth in our communities, and divert them from a path that may involve the criminal justice system,” said Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-Minneapolis). “This legislation invests in programs that will ensure they have the chance to grow and thrive, instead of being on a path to incarceration.”
The second piece of legislation, SF 4195, provides $100 million every year over the next three years for public safety funding for local communities. It also funds innovative public safety measures, including community outpost houses and youth conflict resolution centers, as well providing support for community-based public safety and policing, youth development, and victims of sexual and domestic violence.
To ensure criminal justice partners have the tools they need, the third bill, SF 4039, increases funding for our courts systems, public defenders, public safety and violent crime reduction, and provides family support and educational opportunities proven to reduce recidivism for individuals in incarceration.
“We know that it takes more than just punishment to reduce crime, but if we want to hold violent criminals accountable we must provide our court system with what they need to do their work,” said Senator Ron Latz.
The final bill announced, SF 4194, establishes the Public Safety Innovation Board, makes investments in community organizations and law enforcement agencies to help close cases, improve policing, and keep our communities safe.
“By establishing a Public Safety Innovation Board and grants, we can ensure that we are putting into practice the best possible policies and resources that address the root causes of rising crime and give the communities facing these increases the resources they need to address it,” said Senator Scott Dibble. “We also have to work to rebuild trust and accountability between communities and members of law enforcement. This legislation will do just that.”
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