Minnesota House Bill HF1509

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Authority to issue certain citations to pedestrians limited.

Impact

If enacted, HF1509 will amend Minnesota Statutes to ensure that officers are prohibited from stopping, detaining, or citing pedestrians unless they are stopped for an unrelated violation or if a vehicle poses an imminent hazard. This reflects a shift in the legal landscape regarding how pedestrians are treated under traffic regulations and aims to increase safety for individuals crossing roadways, particularly in urban settings where pedestrian traffic is common.

Summary

House File 1509 (HF1509) is a legislative bill in Minnesota aimed at amending certain provisions related to pedestrian traffic and citations. The bill specifically addresses the authority of peace officers when it comes to issuing citations to pedestrians for violations associated with crosswalk usage and pedestrian signals. Essentially, HF1509 places restrictions on how and when a peace officer can detain or issue tickets to pedestrians, thus promoting a more lenient approach towards pedestrian traffic violations in specific circumstances.

Contention

The legislation has raised points of contention primarily surrounding pedestrian safety and law enforcement authority. Proponents advocate that the bill protects pedestrians from unnecessary enforcement actions, promoting safety through reduced monetary penalties and legal repercussions for common pedestrian practices like crossing outside designated areas. However, opponents may argue that such provisions could lead to lax enforcement that endangers pedestrian safety, highlighting the delicate balance between law enforcement discretion and pedestrian rights.