House declines to fast-track bill to let BCA investigate federal-agent involved deaths

A motion to suspend the rules and bring House File 3405 up for immediate consideration failed on the Minnesota House floor on Feb. 17 after extended debate that focused on two recent fatal incidents and the limits of state authority over federal law enforcement.

Representative Long moved the suspension; Representative Mueller, the bill’s author, said the bill would affirm the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s (BCA) authority to investigate use-of-force incidents resulting in death when federal agents are involved. Mueller cited several cases she said underscored the urgency, and asked colleagues to vote yes.

Several lawmakers gave emotional floor statements describing the deaths of Renee Goode and Alex (transcript contains multiple spellings for this name). Representatives Finke and Gomez urged support, reading from family statements and describing community trauma. Opponents, including Representative Hudson, argued the state cannot compel federal cooperation because of the supremacy clause and warned against rhetoric that could undermine public safety.

Representative Novotny noted that the BCA already conducts investigations and referenced a Feb. 16 press release from BCA Superintendent Drew Evans announcing BCA investigative activity; others pointed out a committee hearing on the bill was scheduled soon. The clerk called the roll; the transcript records that the clerk announced "There being 67 ayes and 66 nays," and then — inconsistently — records that "The motion does not prevail." The floor record therefore shows the motion did not pass as announced on the floor.

Because the motion failed, House File 3405 remains in committee and will be available for further consideration through the normal committee process. Supporters said they will continue to press for investigations that they say are necessary to preserve evidence and public trust.