HF 2587

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/20/2019 01:02pm

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; creating a task force on Islamophobia and antisemitism;
appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin TASK FORCE ON ISLAMOPHOBIA AND ANTISEMITISM.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin A task force on the consequences of Islamophobia and
antisemitism is established to analyze the impact of Islamophobia and antisemitism,
recommend actions to improve the safety of Minnesota's Muslim and Jewish communities,
increase participation by the Muslim and Jewish communities in civic life, and recommend
possible legislative action.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The task force shall consist of the following members:
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new text begin (1) the attorney general or a designee;
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new text begin (2) the commissioner of public safety or a designee;
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new text begin (3) the commissioner of human rights or a designee;
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new text begin (4) the chair of the house of representatives committee or division with jurisdiction over
public safety or a designee;
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new text begin (5) the chair of the senate committee with jurisdiction over public safety or a designee;
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new text begin (6) the Hennepin County sheriff or a designee;
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new text begin (7) the mayor of the city of St. Paul or a designee;
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new text begin (8) the executive director of the Muslim American Society of Minnesota or a designee;
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new text begin (9) the executive director of the Darul Farooq Center or a designee;
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new text begin (10) the executive director of the Islamic Association of North America or a designee;
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new text begin (11) the executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations - Minnesota
or a designee;
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new text begin (12) a Muslim legislator selected by the speaker of the house;
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new text begin (13) a Jewish legislator selected by the senate majority leader;
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new text begin (14) the executive director of two Jewish community organizations;
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new text begin (15) two rabbis;
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new text begin (16) the chief executive officer of the Minnesota Council of Churches or a designee;
and
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new text begin (17) the executive director of ISAIAH or a designee.
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new text begin (b) Unless otherwise specified, members shall be appointed by the commissioner of
public safety.
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new text begin (c) Members of the task force serve without compensation.
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new text begin (d) Members of the task force serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority or until
the task force expires. Vacancies shall be filled by the appointing authority consistent with
the qualifications of the vacating member required by this subdivision.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Officers; meetings. new text end

new text begin (a) The task force shall be cochaired by the attorney general
and the commissioner of public safety or the attorney general's and commissioner's designees
and may elect other officers as necessary.
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new text begin (b) The commissioner of public safety shall convene the first meeting of the task force
no later than October 1, 2019, and shall provide meeting space and administrative assistance
as necessary for the task force to conduct its work.
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new text begin (c) The task force shall meet at least monthly, or upon the call of the chair. The task
force shall meet sufficiently enough to accomplish the tasks identified in this section. At
least two meetings of the task force shall be in greater Minnesota as defined in Minnesota
Statutes, section 116J.8738, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).
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new text begin (d) Meetings of the task force are subject to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D.
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new text begin (e) The task force expires upon submission of the report required under subdivision 5.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin (a) The duties of the task force shall include, at a minimum:
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new text begin (1) reviewing reports of attacks on and harassment of Muslims and Jews in Minnesota;
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new text begin (2) reviewing reports of damage to property motivated by Islamophobia and antisemitism;
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new text begin (3) identifying community resources for Muslims and Jews;
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new text begin (4) recommending outreach programs to enhance participation in civic life by members
of the Muslim and Jewish communities;
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new text begin (5) reviewing practices of law enforcement, city and county attorney offices, public
defender offices, and the courts as they relate to Islamophobia and antisemitism;
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new text begin (6) recommending training for law enforcement, city and county attorney offices, public
defender offices, and the courts;
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new text begin (7) recommending a specific campaign to bring greater attention to the problems of
Islamophobia and antisemitism in Minnesota; and
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new text begin (8) reviewing existing Minnesota law and proposing amendments or new statutory
provisions.
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new text begin (b) At its discretion, the task force may examine other related issues consistent with this
section.
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new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin On or before February 15, 2020, the task force shall report to the chairs
and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over public safety on the work of the task force. The report shall include recommendations
for outreach programs and training and any recommended legislative action.
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Sec. 2. new text begin TASK FORCE ON ISLAMOPHOBIA AND ANTISEMITISM;
APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
public safety to implement the task force on Islamophobia and antisemitism.
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