Minnesota House Bill HF962

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

Peace officers excluded from discipline for inclusion on Brady-Giglio lists, and report required.

Impact

The bill also establishes a task force tasked with examining the implications and use of Brady-Giglio lists in Minnesota. This task force will consist of key stakeholders including members from various law enforcement associations, the attorney general, and a district court judge. One of the primary objectives of the task force will be to assess how these lists are managed and to recommend best practices for their use, potentially leading to greater clarity and fairness in their application. The findings from the task force are expected to be reported by December 1, 2025.

Summary

HF962 is a significant piece of legislation aimed at reforming the disciplinary processes for peace officers in Minnesota. The bill specifically excludes peace officers from being disciplined or discharged solely based on their inclusion on a Brady-Giglio list, which identifies officers that prosecutors deem to have failed in their duty to disclose potentially exculpatory evidence. This change is seen as an effort to protect the employment status of officers who may otherwise face repercussions for inclusion on this list without fully understanding the implications of their actions in the course of their duties.

Conclusion

Ultimately, HF962 seeks to balance the need for accountability in law enforcement with the rights of peace officers, amid ongoing discussions about public safety and justice reform in Minnesota. The creation of a dedicated task force to address the complexities surrounding Brady-Giglio lists signifies an acknowledgment of the challenges inherent in maintaining effective oversight while safeguarding law enforcement personnel.

Contention

Though HF962 has the potential to reform current practices, it is not without controversy. Critics argue that offering such protections could undermine accountability within law enforcement agencies. There are concerns that by limiting the disciplinary actions against officers included on the Brady-Giglio list, the bill could allow officers with questionable integrity to remain in their positions, which could ultimately erode public trust in law enforcement. Conversely, supporters assert the necessity of protecting officers' rights and argue that inclusion on the list does not inherently point to misconduct without further context.