Minnesota Senate Bill SF746

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/30/25

Caption

Peace officer requirement to be United States citizens

Impact

The enactment of SF746 will amend several sections of the Minnesota Statutes, particularly relating to the powers and duties of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. By imposing citizenship as a pre-requisite for licensure, the bill could lead to significant changes in the recruitment process and availability of candidates for law enforcement positions. Critics of the bill worry that it could exacerbate existing workforce shortages in law enforcement, especially in urban areas where diversity is essential for community relations.

Summary

SF746 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing public safety by mandating that all peace officers in Minnesota must be citizens of the United States. This requirement is intended to raise the standards for peace officer licensure and is expected to undergo a phased implementation; existing non-citizen peace officers will be allowed to retain their licenses until mid-2027, provided they meet all other qualification criteria. The intention behind this bill is to ensure a qualified and accountable law enforcement body within the state.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SF746 highlighted concerns over the bill's implications for existing peace officers who are non-citizens. There are notable points of contention regarding the balance between maintaining high standards for public safety and ensuring diversity and representation within law enforcement agencies. While supporters argue that citizenship is critical for accountability, opponents see this requirement as potentially discriminatory, undermining the inclusivity that modern policing aims to uphold.