Committee votes to refer bill extending Peace Officer Discipline Procedures to correctional officers to general register

The committee voted to re-refer House File 1410, which would extend the Peace Officer Discipline Procedures Act (often called the Peace Officer Bill of Rights) to county and municipal correctional officers, to the general register after testimony in support from labor and association representatives.

Vice Chair Witte moved the bill. Renee Zachman, a staff attorney with Law Enforcement Labor Services, testified that correctional officers currently have fewer due-process protections during workplace investigations than licensed peace officers and that the bill would provide parity in rights such as prior notice of allegations, recording of formal interviews and notification of witnesses. Zachman said due process “lends itself to fairer outcomes” and is better for employees, employers and the public.

Bridal Peters, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, provided a spreadsheet comparing the two statutes and said the association represents roughly 1,800 local correctional officers who would gain protections under HF 1410. Peters said many sheriff’s departments already follow similar practices but some administrations bypass formal procedures and the bill would standardize protections across local jurisdictions.

Members offered supportive comments about fairness and process. Representative Lehi Muller said he planned to support the bill, and members noted discussions with AFSCME and Teamster representatives during bill development. After discussion, the committee approved the motion and re‑referred House File 1410 to the general register by voice vote.

Ending: HF 1410 will advance to the general register for further floor consideration; committee testimony emphasized parity of due process for correctional officers and a desire to standardize disciplinary procedures across jurisdictions.