Republicans in the Minnesota House of Representatives on Tuesday released their plan to address public safety, unveiling almost a dozen different pieces of legislation.
The lawmakers argued that members of the opposing political party have not addressed the spike in crime that has been felt by residents of the state.
“It is clear that public safety is top of mind for Minnesotans as crime is on the rise in the Twin Cities and around the state,” said State Representative Paul Novotny (R-Elk River). “As legislators, it is our responsibility to respond to the concerns of Minnesotans. That’s why we are committed to working with law enforcement and other local officials to keep our neighborhoods safe. The package of proposals introduced today will hold criminals accountable, recruit and retain quality law enforcement officers, and make sure the criminal justice system is following the letter of the law when sentencing offenders.”
In total, the package would send more than $18 million for police retention and recruitment. Another $2 million would be used for specific crime prevention strategies.
The bills also target members of the criminal justice system, in an effort to hold them accountable.
One bill, authored by Novotny, focuses on county attorneys and requires them to file felony charges if there is probable cause.
The measure is likely connected to a decision by Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, who previously announced that he would not prosecute felony charges from “low-level” stops.
“Those who break the law should have consequences, regardless of when and where in the state the crime is committed. This disregard for public safety follows the Governor Walz playbook of not prioritizing safer communities and the work of law enforcement,” said candidate for governor and State Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake), at the time.
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Minnesota Sun and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Paul Novotny” by Representative Paul Novotny. Background Photo “Minnesota State Capitol” by McGhiever. CC BY-SA 4.0.
