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Committee sends public-safety shadowing bill to public safety committee after amendment adoption
Summary
House File 796, a bipartisan bill requiring certain legislators to complete ride-alongs or shadowing with law enforcement and firefighters, was referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee on Feb. 27, 2025 after the committee adopted an A‑1 amendment.
The Minnesota House State Government Finance and Policy Committee on Feb. 27, 2025 adopted an A‑1 amendment to House File 796 and voted to refer the bill to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.
Representative Myers, the bill’s author, said the requirement gives legislators firsthand knowledge of law enforcement and firefighter duties so lawmakers can craft better public-safety policy. "Supporting our dedicated law enforcement officers and firefighters isn't just about protecting them or supporting them financially. It's about listening and learning to what they do every day," Myers told the committee.
Members asked whether the mandate should apply broadly to other committees; Representative Kraft questioned why similar requirements would not be placed on members of other committees such as State Government. Representative Cleburne said many legislators already spend significant hours in their districts and cautioned the bill could be costly and unnecessary; he urged careful consideration of fiscal impacts and staff capacity.
Representative Myers said the A‑1 amendment clarifies elements of the underlying bill and the measure has bipartisan support, including endorsements from state public-safety organizations. The committee adopted A‑1 by voice vote and then approved referral to Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.
The referral moves the bill to the committee that will consider ride-along logistics, liability, and departmental coordination.
