Legislative Update Supporting Safety and Community In Minnesota’s Backyard The Lake Minnetonka community supports our dedicated law enforcement officers and their families for the work they do to build relationships, protect us, and provide safe schools for our educators and children. Last week, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Minnetonka and Southlake Minnetonka Police Departments, were serving a warrant at a home. One Sheriff deputy was shot and another injured by shrapnel, but both have been released from the hospital. In addition, a few weeks prior, South Lake Minnetonka Police along the Carver County Sheriff Office apprehended an armed suspect after a chase and standoff in Chanhassen. We are thankful that all officers involved are okay, and our prayers for a speedy recovery go out to the two officers who were injured. The sacrifices our officers and their families make each day do not go unnoticed. It's also no secret that recent years have been challenging for law enforcement, resulting in low morale and significant difficulties in recruiting. A recent survey by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association(MPPOA) underscored these challenges, with 80% of respondents expressing reluctance to recommend the profession to a family member and 98% voicing concerns about the risk of prosecution for on-duty officers. These are REAL numbers.  To bolster support for law enforcement’s crucial work, the Suburban Solutions Caucus developed a legislative plan called the "365 Initiative." We should not just support our officers on the day of an incident, but 365 days a year. As a former law enforcement officer in Burnsville and a Suburban Solutions Caucus member, Rep. Jeff Witte (R-Lakeville) helped us spearhead this initiative which includes: - House File 4837: Allowing local law enforcement agencies to use public safety aid in a flexible manner.
- House File 4222: Expands the use of tracking devices for fleeing motor vehicles.
- House File 1079: Establishes a crime for fleeing in a motor vehicle and failing to obey traffic laws.
- House File 4452: Requiring the prosecution of offenses punishable by life imprisonment and prosecutions of peace officers involved in an officer-involved death to proceed by indictment.
- House File 4866: Requires County Attorneys to disclose information regarding expert witnesses to peace officers.
These solutions aim to provide officers and their departments with the tools and support needed to keep our communities safe “365 Days A Year.” We are also working with local departments to create legislation that addresses retention and recruitment of public safety officers that are in such high demand. I will continue to listen and work with our dedicated law enforcement officers, local leaders, and our community members to maintain our safe community. The School Resource Officers (SROs) issue shows that when we listen, learn from the voices of law enforcement, and work together, we can address public safety by getting SROs back in schools, building relationships and protecting educators, staff, and students. I hope that we can work to pass proactive proposals like the solutions above. On behalf of our community, THANK YOU to all law enforcement officers and staff at the Orono Police Department, South Lake Minnetonka Police Department, Wayzata Police Department, Minnetrista Police Department, Minnetonka Police Department and all departments across the state.  Earth Day 2024 The Minnesota outdoors is one of a kind. This Earth Day, I want to highlight the Keep It Clean Legislation that I passed last session which now enforces our litter laws on our lakes and rivers, protecting clean waters across the entire state of Minnesota. Enjoy everything the Minnesota outdoors provides and do your part to protect our parks, trails, waters, habitat, and environment; big or small. Please continue to reach out with your thoughts and ideas as your voice allows me to better support the priorities of our community. Have a great week. |