1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to public safety; requiring the development of a model policy for safe
1.3 traffic stops; prescribing best practices and areas for development; aligning
1.4 preservice curriculum with the model policy; establishing continuing education
1.5 requirements for law enforcement officers; appropriating money; amending
1.6 Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 626.8451, by adding subdivisions; proposing
1.7 coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 626.
1.8BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.9 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 626.8451, is amended by adding a subdivision
1.10to read:
1.11 Subd. 5.Traffic stop training; preservice curriculum alignment.(a) The board shall
1.12review and amend the preservice curriculum for peace officers to ensure alignment with
1.13the model policy on safe traffic stops developed under section 626.8491.
1.14 (b) The revised curriculum must include instruction on:
1.15 (1) the procedures and best practices outlined in the model policy;
1.16 (2) practical scenarios and role-playing exercises to practice safe traffic stop techniques;
1.17 (3) legal standards and rights during traffic stops;
1.18 (4) de-escalation and communication strategies specific to traffic stops; and
1.19 (5) methods to engage and educate the community effectively on new policy.
1.20 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
1Section 1.
25-02976 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR KLL/EN
SENATE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
S.F. No. 1505NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
(SENATE AUTHORS: OUMOU VERBETEN and Clark)
OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE
Introduction and first reading02/17/2025
Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety 2.1 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 626.8451, is amended by adding a subdivision
2.2to read:
2.3 Subd. 6.Continuing education requirements.(a) The board shall develop continuing
2.4education and learning requirements for peace officers that align with the model policy on
2.5safe traffic stops.
2.6 (b) These requirements must include periodic training on:
2.7 (1) updates and changes to the model policy and best practices;
2.8 (2) refresher courses on de-escalation and communication techniques;
2.9 (3) legal updates and case studies related to traffic stops; and
2.10 (4) practical exercises and scenario-based training.
2.11 (c) All peace officers must complete the continuing education requirements within the
2.12time frames established by the board.
2.13 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
2.14 Sec. 3. [626.8491] SAFE TRAFFIC STOP MODEL POLICY.
2.15 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
2.16the meanings given.
2.17 (b) "Peace officer" has the meaning given in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph
2.18(c).
2.19 (c) "Traffic stop" means an interaction initiated by a peace officer with a motor vehicle
2.20operator to enforce the motor vehicle code or any other law.
2.21 Subd. 2.Model policy development.(a) By December 31, 2025, the board, in
2.22consultation with law enforcement agencies, traffic safety experts, community organizations,
2.23and other relevant stakeholders, shall develop a model policy for performing traffic stops
2.24safely.
2.25 (b) The model policy must prescribe known best practices and highlight areas where the
2.26board can create best practices. The policy must, at a minimum, address:
2.27 (1) procedures for initiating and conducting traffic stops to minimize risk to both peace
2.28officers and civilians;
2.29 (2) de-escalation techniques and strategies to manage high-tension situations;
2Sec. 3.
25-02976 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR KLL/EN 3.1 (3) communication protocols during a traffic stop to ensure clarity and reduce
3.2misunderstandings;
3.3 (4) use of body-worn cameras and other recording devices;
3.4 (5) considerations for traffic stops involving individuals with disabilities or those
3.5experiencing mental health crises;
3.6 (6) measures to prevent racial profiling and ensure equitable treatment of all individuals;
3.7 (7) legal standards and rights of both officers and civilians during traffic stops; and
3.8 (8) post-traffic stop procedures and documentation requirements.
3.9 Subd. 3.Policy adoption by agencies.By September 1, 2026, each law enforcement
3.10agency in the state shall develop, adopt, and implement a written policy regarding traffic
3.11stops that is identical or substantially similar to the model policy developed under subdivision
3.122.
3.13 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
3.14 Sec. 4. APPROPRIATION.
3.15 $200,000 in fiscal year 2025 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 are appropriated from the
3.16general fund to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board to support the
3.17development and implementation of the safe traffic stop model policy, curriculum alignment,
3.18and continuing education requirements.
3.19 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
3Sec. 4.
25-02976 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR KLL/EN