This bill modifies existing laws related to public safety, specifically addressing the crime of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and the actions that peace officers can take during police pursuits. It amends Minnesota Statutes to include new provisions that require peace officers to make reasonable efforts to apprehend individuals suspected of violating the fleeing law. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that fleeing a peace officer poses an imminent threat to public safety. It also introduces new legal language regarding the use of deadly force by peace officers, stating that such force is justified only under specific circumstances and must be evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer at the time of the incident.

Furthermore, the bill establishes immunity for peace officers engaged in pursuits, protecting them from criminal or civil liability unless certain conditions are met, such as committing a federal civil rights violation or intending to cause harm. It also outlines civil liability for individuals who violate the fleeing law, holding them accountable for any resulting bodily injury or property damage when law enforcement employs intervention techniques. The effective date for these provisions is set for August 1, 2026, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299D.03, 609.066, 609.487