1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; allowing dogs to accompany conservation officers 
1.3 	on patrol under certain circumstances;amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 
1.4 	84.0286.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.0286, is amended to read:
1.7 	84.0286 CONSERVATION OFFICER PATROL VEHICLE; SECURITY 
1.8 	BARRIER; EXEMPTION.
1.9 		Subdivision 1.Security barriers. Marked conservation officer patrol vehicles are exempt 
1.10 	from any law or rule requiring a security barrier in the vehicle.
1.11 		Subd. 2.Dogs on patrol. (a) A dog may accompany a conservation officer in a patrol 
1.12 	vehicle if the conservation officer certifies on a form developed by the commissioner that:
1.13 	(1) the dog is categorized by the American Kennel Club as a breed in the sporting group;
1.14 	(2) the dog is current on required vaccines and is not sick;
1.15 	(3) the dog has never seriously injured a person; and
1.16 	(4) the conservation officer assumes personal responsibility and liability for any damage 
1.17 	or injury to persons or property that the dog may cause.
1.18 	(b) Neither the commissioner, the department, nor the state is liable for any damage or 
1.19 	injuries caused to persons or property by a dog subject to a certification under paragraph 
1.20 	(a).