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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I’m excited to be back at the Capitol as the 2025 legislative session kicks into high gear! There’s a lot of important work ahead, and my team and I are already hard at work, making sure we address the critical issues facing our state and ensuring that Minnesotans are safe and secure in their communities.
As your representative, protecting the safety and privacy of our law enforcement officers is a top priority. Recently, the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board) inadvertently released the identities of at least 257 undercover officers, putting their lives—and the lives of their families—at risk. I was deeply disturbed by this incident and am committed to making sure it doesn’t happen again.
The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) has filed a lawsuit, claiming that the POST Board violated the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act by releasing sensitive, private information. The consequences of this breach are extreme, and we must act quickly to implement stronger data protection protocols and ensure our officers' safety.
To address this issue, the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee will soon convene to assess the situation and explore ways to improve data handling practices. It’s vital that we take immediate action to prevent an incident such as this from happening again, and I will be working closely with law enforcement to ensure that their privacy and security are upheld.
[You can read more on this developing story here.]
As Republican Chair of the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, I want to address a disheartening incident that took place during our first committee meeting of the session. A disruptive demonstration, which involved excessive profanity and the use of a bullhorn, derailed our proceedings. This kind of behavior is not only disrespectful but undermines the very democratic process we are all here to uphold.
Our committees are meant to be safe spaces for constructive debate and respectful collaboration on important issues like public safety and community well-being. While I wholeheartedly respect the right to express differing opinions, it is important that this is done respectfully and in a manner that allows the legislative process to continue without interruption. This incident was especially disturbing because this committee hearing featured testimonies from MPPOA (Minnesota Peace and Police Officers Association) officers, sheriffs, and police chiefs; this was their opportunity to share their perspectives and have their voices heard, and that opportunity was stolen from them.
Disruptions like this detract from the important work we need to accomplish on behalf of all Minnesotans. I am committed to maintaining decorum in our proceedings and ensuring that every voice is given the respect it deserves.
I urge my colleagues and all involved to uphold the integrity of our institution and focus on finding solutions that serve our communities. My ultimate goal is to bring both sides of the aisle together to work for the people of Minnesota, keeping their needs at the forefront of everything we do.
[You can view unedited footage of the demonstration here.]
Ensuring the safety of our communities is a core value I fight for every day. That’s why I’ve introduced a wide-ranging crime bill, HF7, designed to strengthen our laws and protect Minnesotans from criminal behavior. The bill is about making sure law enforcement has the tools and resources they need to keep us safe, holding offenders accountable, and keeping dangerous criminals off our streets.
Here are some key provisions of the bill:
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New and enhanced criminal offenses: The bill would make it a crime to obstruct traffic on freeways or airport property, which can delay emergency responders and put both the public and law enforcement at risk. Additionally, we are introducing a new crime for driving or riding in a stolen vehicle—addressing a significant gap in current law.
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Increased penalties: The penalty for assaulting a peace officer would increase from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. With assaults on law enforcement officers rising sharply in recent years, this change is crucial to ensuring that peace officers are treated with the respect and protection they deserve.
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Strengthening penalties for fleeing officers: The bill also increases penalties for individuals fleeing from law enforcement, putting public safety at greater risk.
As Chair of the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, I’m committed to making sure this bill moves forward. Law enforcement and public safety are at the heart of this legislation, and it’s important that we act now to address rising crime and ensure our officers and communities are safe.
[You can read more about this bill here.]
The work at the Capitol is just beginning, and your voice is essential in shaping the direction of the state. I always welcome your feedback, thoughts, and concerns. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the legislation I'm working on, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact my office by phone or email.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you at the Capitol. Together, we will continue working to make Minnesota a safer and stronger place for everyone.
Warm regards,
Representative Paul Novotny
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30B
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