Committee lays over bill to create statewide model policy for traffic stops after wide-ranging testimony

Representative Frasier introduced House File 6‑86, which directs the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board to develop a statewide model policy on traffic stops and requires law enforcement agencies to adopt a written policy identical or substantially similar to the POST model by Sept. 1, 2026. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in a public safety finance package after lengthy testimony and member discussion.

Supporters, including Valerie Castile (mother of Philando Castile), the Policing Project's Kelly Moore, and other advocates, told the committee a statewide model would create consistent expectations, reduce racial disparities, and promote safer, less‑escalatory stops. "If you have something so simple as universal hand washing where it protects thousands, millions of people, why don't we have some type of universal foundation, a model for policing?" Valerie Castile said in testimony about training and a shared standard.

Opponents including the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Sheriffs Association and police labor groups argued the bill would be one‑size‑fits‑all, could create operational risks in diverse jurisdictions and duplicate existing training and model policies already required by statute. Chief Jeff Potts, representing the Minnesota Chiefs, said many of the topics in the draft model are already covered by required professional conduct, implicit bias, use-of-force and emergency vehicle operations training and that the Philando Castile training fund already funds relevant training programs.

POST's executive director noted model policies are guidance and that final enforcement would rest with local chief law-enforcement executives adopting policies. Members questioned funding for additional continuing education and the implications of requiring agencies statewide to adopt substantially similar policies. Representative Novotny and others suggested refining training funding and using existing duty‑to‑intercede/duty‑to‑de‑escalate training vehicles as starting points.

After extensive discussion the chair laid the bill over for possible inclusion in a public safety budget package rather than taking immediate action.

Ending: The bill was laid over; committee members and stakeholders flagged funding for training, local operational differences, and the need for broader stakeholder engagement as open issues to resolve before a final policy is adopted.