Bill Summary

• Requires the Commissioner of Public Safety to appoint railroad peace officers employed by railroad companies who are licensed by the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.

• Grants railroad peace officers full powers, privileges, and immunities of licensed peace officers in Minnesota for offenses occurring on railroad property involving injury to passengers or employees, or offenses against railroad property; requires notification of local law enforcement before executing search warrants.

• Establishes that railroad peace officers are compensated by their railroad employer and are not entitled to state or political subdivision compensation, benefits, or remuneration provided to other peace officers.

• Makes railroad companies liable for acts, errors, and omissions of their peace officers within the scope of employment and requires them to indemnify officers for civil damages, while exempting the state and its agencies from liability.

• Directs the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training to adopt rules by July 1, 2015 establishing licensing standards and reciprocity provisions for railroad peace officers.