ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House voted 70-63 to fund public safety and the courts at $2.7 billion for the next two years, roughly a 5% increase. The Democrat majority carried the day. The bill includes police reform provisions missing in the Republican-controlled Senate funding bill. The Senate and House will need to reconcile their differences through a joint committee. The main House sponsor, Representative Carlos Mariani, D-St. Paul, said police reforms in the bill are needed to dismantle systemic racism in the criminal justice system. “At its core, this bill is about building trust among all of us,” Mariani said. “By advancing greater police accountability, funding to make reforms possible, and centering equity and the voices of those who’ve experienced crimes, House DFLers are delivering guidance for a public safety system that reinforces strong and healthy community life for all Minnesotans.” One provision would limit from stopping or detaining drivers for petty violations, like expired license tabs or a broken turn signal.
Mariani. A St. Paul Democrat. State representative since 1991.