Minnesota lawmakers reach deal on policing measures

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s top Democratic and Republican lawmakers reached agreement on the highlights of a public safety bill that includes police accountability measures, a day after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison for the death of George Floyd.

While some details had yet to be finalized, leaders from both parties said the compromise reached late Saturday settles the major issues after months of negotiations. It has been the most contentious piece of budget negotiations among a divided Legislature that’s up against a Wednesday deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

The Democratic-controlled state House included several policing provisions in its overall public safety budget bill this session in the hopes of building on a package the Legislature approved last summer in the aftermath Floyd’s death under Chauvin’s knee.

The 223-page bill draft includes provisions regulating the use of no-knock warrants, a police misconduct database to create an early warning system to keep bad officers off the streets, and the creation of an office of missing and murdered indigenous relatives as well as a task force for missing and murdered Black women.

“It doesn’t include some of the important police reform and accountability measures pushed by the House, but it is a step forward in delivering true public safety and justice for all Minnesotans despite divided government,” Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman said.

Democrats had advocated for limits on pretextual traffic stops, where police pull over a driver for a minor violation, such as expired tabs or something hanging from the rearview mirror. That push intensified after police in suburban Brooklyn Center shot and killed Daunte Wright for driving with expired tabs. That proposal is not part of the agreement.

Republicans who control the Senate resisted many of the Democrats’ proposals, calling some “anti-police.” The GOP negotiations at times focused those pushing to abolish the police, as well as violent protests following Floyd’s killing. The agreement includes $2 million for violent crime enforcement teams, a Republican-backed provision.

Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said he’s “confident we will finish the bill and keep Minnesotans safe.”

SportsPlus

life

Calcasieu Council on Aging breaks ground on new development

Local News

Imaginations helping fuel remodel of Region 4 STEM Center library

Crime

12/20: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

McNeese Sports

Cowboys face new-look Cajuns

life

Movies With the Mayor: ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’ back on the screen

Local News

Time is running short to avert a government shutdown after funding bill is rejected

Business

Business is booming and future growth promising for Jeff Davis Parish

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls open SLC against best

Local News

Teacher Jennifer Reynolds: ‘We are helping guide and mold the youth of today’

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: A silly challenge for the College Playoff

McNeese Sports

Marlin fired by ULL

McNeese Sports

A quick trip home

Local News

City Council gives green light to lakefront hotel plan

Crime

12/19: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Washington-Marion student arrested for terrorizing, charged as an adult

Local News

Governor selects Stine, Tarver for new Fiscal Responsibility Program

high-school Football

Press box project for Jerry Simmons Stadium move forward

Local News

National defense budget could allocate millions to Louisiana military bases

Face to Face

Second Harvest hosts drive-thru Christmas dinner distribution

Business

It’s not just about money: The Five T’s of Philanthropy

Face to Face

Carols under the Oak: Lake Charles Symphony unites with Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Face to Face

Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US

Crime

12/18: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Westlake fire chief describes training with ‘cutting edge’ technology