HF 686

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 02/13/2025 02:47 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; requiring the development of a model policy for safe
traffic stops; prescribing best practices and areas for development; aligning
preservice curriculum with the model policy; establishing continuing education
requirements for law enforcement officers; appropriating money; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 626.8451, by adding subdivisions; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 626.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 626.8451, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Traffic stop training; preservice curriculum alignment. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall
review and amend the preservice curriculum for peace officers to ensure alignment with
the model policy on safe traffic stops developed under section 626.8491.
new text end

new text begin (b) The revised curriculum must include instruction on:
new text end

new text begin (1) the procedures and best practices outlined in the model policy;
new text end

new text begin (2) practical scenarios and role-playing exercises to practice safe traffic stop techniques;
new text end

new text begin (3) legal standards and rights during traffic stops;
new text end

new text begin (4) de-escalation and communication strategies specific to traffic stops; and
new text end

new text begin (5) methods to engage and educate the community effectively on new policy.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 626.8451, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Continuing education requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall develop continuing
education and learning requirements for peace officers that align with the model policy on
safe traffic stops.
new text end

new text begin (b) These requirements must include periodic training on:
new text end

new text begin (1) updates and changes to the model policy and best practices;
new text end

new text begin (2) refresher courses on de-escalation and communication techniques;
new text end

new text begin (3) legal updates and case studies related to traffic stops; and
new text end

new text begin (4) practical exercises and scenario-based training.
new text end

new text begin (c) All peace officers must complete the continuing education requirements within the
time frames established by the board.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [626.8491] SAFE TRAFFIC STOP MODEL POLICY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Peace officer" has the meaning given in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph
(c).
new text end

new text begin (c) "Traffic stop" means an interaction initiated by a peace officer with a motor vehicle
operator to enforce the motor vehicle code or any other law.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Model policy development. new text end

new text begin (a) By December 31, 2025, the board, in
consultation with law enforcement agencies, traffic safety experts, community organizations,
and other relevant stakeholders, shall develop a model policy for performing traffic stops
safely.
new text end

new text begin (b) The model policy must prescribe known best practices and highlight areas where the
board can create best practices. The policy must, at a minimum, address:
new text end

new text begin (1) procedures for initiating and conducting traffic stops to minimize risk to both peace
officers and civilians;
new text end

new text begin (2) de-escalation techniques and strategies to manage high-tension situations;
new text end

new text begin (3) communication protocols during a traffic stop to ensure clarity and reduce
misunderstandings;
new text end

new text begin (4) use of body-worn cameras and other recording devices;
new text end

new text begin (5) considerations for traffic stops involving individuals with disabilities or those
experiencing mental health crises;
new text end

new text begin (6) measures to prevent racial profiling and ensure equitable treatment of all individuals;
new text end

new text begin (7) legal standards and rights of both officers and civilians during traffic stops; and
new text end

new text begin (8) post-traffic stop procedures and documentation requirements.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Policy adoption by agencies. new text end

new text begin By September 1, 2026, each law enforcement
agency in the state shall develop, adopt, and implement a written policy regarding traffic
stops that is identical or substantially similar to the model policy developed under subdivision
2.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $200,000 in fiscal year 2025 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 are appropriated from the
general fund to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board to support the
development and implementation of the safe traffic stop model policy, curriculum alignment,
and continuing education requirements.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end