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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dominica Bernstein, 651.297.8150
Dominica.Bernstein@house.mn.gov
News Release
Rep. Erica Schwartz Secures Unanimous House Passage of First Bill in Historic 134-0 Vote
ST. PAUL – In a powerful display of bipartisan unity, Representative Erica Schwartz (R–Nicollet) passed her first bill of the 2026 legislative session through the Minnesota House with a unanimous 134-0 vote—an extraordinary accomplishment for a freshman legislator, especially in a closely divided chamber.
House File 2169 strengthens Minnesota law by ensuring that individuals who commit unintentional murder while subject to a protective order—whether issued in Minnesota, another U.S. jurisdiction, or Canada—face enhanced penalties. The bill aligns Minnesota statute with existing law governing violations of protective orders, closing a critical gap and reinforcing protections for victims.
“We don’t get to pick and choose which victims count based on where a piece of paper was signed,” said Rep. Schwartz. “If a court has issued an order to protect someone, that protection should follow them across state lines and across borders, zero exceptions.”
The legislation also ensures Minnesota law consistently recognizes protective orders issued in the District of Columbia, Tribal jurisdictions, U.S. territories, and Canada—eliminating technicalities that could otherwise be exploited.
“This is about closing loopholes before they can be used to dodge accountability,” Schwartz said. “Someone who has already been ordered to stay away from a victim doesn’t get a second chance because of a legal technicality. Not here. Not in Minnesota.”
In a session marked by political division, the bill’s unanimous support stands out.
“A 134-0 vote sends a message loud and clear,” Schwartz added. “Protecting victims and holding offenders accountable shouldn’t be controversial—and this vote proves it doesn’t have to be.”
House File 2169 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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