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State Representative Michael Paymar
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4199
For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873
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HOUSE PASSES COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC SAFETY BILL
ST. PAUL – By a vote of 96 to 34, the Minnesota House passed a comprehensive public safety policy and finance bill today.
"This legislation takes huge steps in creating a more effective criminal justice system while providing more support to crime victims and crime prevention initiatives," said Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul), Chair of the Public Safety Finance Division. "It's a statewide plan to address needs in both the Twin Cities Metro and Greater Minnesota."
The $2 billion legislation exceeds most of the Governor's recommendations to enhance the state's public safety system including courts, corrections, law enforcement, and victims' rights.
The bill would significantly speed up the state's court system by funding 9 new judge units and creating 10 new drug courts primarily in greater Minnesota. It would also fund innovative reentry programs to reduce the number of repeat offenders.
"A sound justice system includes both an efficient court system and measures to make sure those who have served their time don't commit further crimes. Crime prevention is a huge quality of life issue and we have adequately addressed the issue in this bill, " added Paymar.
Paymar stressed that the bill recognizes local needs. It addresses crime problems in the Twin Cities suburbs by providing law enforcement grants to the effected areas. The legislation also fully funds the completion of the ARMER, the statewide 911 system for Greater Minnesota. The bill also provides property tax relief at the local level by increasing reimbursements to local and regional governments for housing short-term offenders.
Other highlights of the legislation include:
· More protections for victims of domestic and sexual violence and stronger protections for children against Internet predators
· Increases funding to crime victim services to restore 2003 cuts
· More tools to law enforcement to halt the significant increase in copper theft in Minnesota, which is a public safety hazard and generates huge losses to utility and construction companies
· Requiring insurance companies to act in good faith when handling claims.
· Prohibits employer retaliation against victims of violent crime and their families for attending court proceedings
· Creates a felony for repeat violators for no-contact orders.
· Increases funding for youth intervention programs
· Funds legal clinic for individuals are trafficked for prostitution
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