SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Senate passed the Judiciary and Public Safety Conference Committee Report in a 34-33 vote Friday, which includes $880 million in new funding for proven measures and policies to improve safety and reduce crime for Minnesota communities. Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton) served on the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee and on the conference committee to craft the final bill.
“This budget is an investment in the public safety needs of communities across Minnesota, and gives our partners in law enforcement and the criminal justice system the tools they need to do their jobs,” said Sen. Seeberger. “Our bill includes significant resources that will reduce and prevent crime, holds offenders accountable for their actions, and helps victims get the help and support they need. This is a good bill that I’m proud to support, and I look forward to it becoming law.”
The $880 million in funding includes $650 million for Public Safety needs and $230 million for the state’s Judicial system. Several provisions carried by Senator Seeberger were included in the final bill. This includes funding for firefighter training, $22 million to fund the Federal Victims of Crime Act Funding Gap, uniform state billing to cover the cost of rape kit testing, funding for crime victim services, Pathways to Policing, and intensive peace officer education and training, the expansion of line of duty death benefits to include PTSD, and funding for soft body armor.
Also included in the conference committee report are a number of policy provisions. This includes Senator Seeberger’s legislation prohibiting retaliation against peace officers who intercede against or report on use of excessive force, expanding eligibility for public safety survivor benefits, increasing penalties for fentanyl, creating the crime of carjacking, and establishing a program for college degree holders to complete peace officer education and training.
The report now moves to the House of Representatives.
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Learn more about Sen. Seeberger.
