Committee advances bill raising penalties for impersonating police officers

A Minnesota House committee recommended House File 3404 to the General Register after the bill—s sponsor outlined enhanced criminal penalties and procedural provisions for impersonating law enforcement officers.

Representative Klevorn, sponsor of the bill, said the measure strengthens penalties for deceptive impersonation and incorporates feedback from law enforcement stakeholders. "In subdivision one, the base level offense impersonating officer with intent to mislead has been enhanced from a misdemeanor to a 2 year felony," Representative Klevorn said. She described several aggravated offenses that raise penalties when impersonation accompanies unauthorized building access, giving unlawful orders, or use of a vehicle made to resemble a law enforcement vehicle.

The bill would create a 10-year felony for impersonating an officer while in possession of a firearm, add prohibitions on vehicle markings that could reasonably lead a person to mistake a vehicle for law enforcement, and set out a sentencing scheme so defendants face consequences for both impersonation and any more serious underlying crimes. The sponsor also said the bill establishes a duty for law enforcement officers to identify themselves and lists safeguards for undercover officers to protect their identity.

Representative Klevorn thanked chiefs of police, the Sheriffs Association and the Minnesota Peace Officers Association for support and called the bill a bipartisan effort refined with stakeholder input. Members expressed appreciation for the work across the interim and the sponsor noted minimal fiscal impact projections (estimates were included for fiscal years 2028 and 2029 in the bill materials).

With no further discussion, the chair renewed the motion and the committee recommended House File 3404 for placement on the General Register by voice vote.

The bill will advance to the General Register for possible floor action.