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Committee approves amendment and re‑refers bill authorizing vehicle‑tracking in pursuits to the general register
Summary
The committee adopted a delete‑all amendment and recommended House File 1744 be re‑referred to the General Register. Supporters said limited use of tracking devices can reduce dangerous high‑speed pursuits; proponents and privacy‑concerned members discussed reporting and removal guardrails in the amendment.
Representative Steer moved House File 1744 before the House Public Safety Committee on March 26, asking the committee to adopt a DE1 amendment that incorporated language developed in a Judiciary committee relating to law enforcement use of vehicle tracking devices.
The bill's supporters argued limited, governed use of tracking devices reduces the risk of dangerous high‑speed pursuits. Jeff Potts of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association said the technology "creates a much, much safer situation for other motorists" because officers can slow pursuit speeds when a tracker is deployed.
Committee action: Members adopted the DE1 amendment by voice vote. The committee then voted to recommend House File 1744, as amended, be re‑referred to the General Register.
Context: Testimony emphasized new reporting and removal requirements built into the amendment and said the language was intended to protect privacy while providing a tool to manage pursuits more safely. Advocates and some members said they would continue to work on tailored guardrails.
Outcome: House File 1744 as amended was re‑referred to the General Register for further consideration.
