ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate approved a package of police accountability measures 60-7, ending weeks of party-line wrangling between the Senate and House on dealing with issues raised by the police killing of George Floyd in May. Hours earlier the House approved the package 102-29. Gov. Tim Walz said he will sign the bill. The bill bans chokeholds like the one that was used on Floyd. The package also bans so-called warrior-style training, which critics say promotes excessive force. The bill requires officers to intercede if a fellow officer uses excessive force. House Speaker Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, called the bill “a great first step.” Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said the final package included a “number of really good things” from both parties. Gazella noted that the bill was backed by police groups.
Earlier: Legislators posturing on police reforms
Hortman: Still ways to go
Gazelka: Lauds GOP, Democrat input