SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee approved legislation, authored by Rep. Athena Hollins (DFL - Saint Paul), to create tougher restrictions on the use of no-knock warrants.
“We need to make sure that we don’t lose any more lives to no-knock warrants,” said Rep. Athena Hollins. “This is not only an opportunity for our redemption as lawmakers. This is an opportunity for law enforcement to repair the relationship with the community by not actively opposing legislation that the public is asking for. We have grieving families, who want to see this legislation done. I know Amir Locke’s family was at the funeral watching this hearing because it is so important to them that we make change. I would ask for you to please support this effort. Do this for them.”
“This is a critical moment for our entire state in shaping the public safety outcomes we want for our communities. The danger of no-knock warrants is well documented, and today, as our state grieves the loss of Amir Locke, we’re moving to ban their use except in very rare circumstances,” said Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee. “I’m grateful for Rep. Hollins quickly working alongside community partners in developing this important legislation that will help keep both community members and police officers safer, while significantly helping rebuild trust.”
POST Board Chair and Chief Kelly McCarthy of the Mendota Heights Police Department testified in favor of the bill. A full list of testifiers can be found on the committee’s webpage.
The bill will next be heard in the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law committee on Tuesday at 8:30 AM. Video of today’s hearing will be up soon on the MNHouseInfo Channel.