MN HF53

Establishes an independent Use of Force Investigations Unit within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to investigate officer-involved deaths, with a special agent in charge selected by the superintendent in consultation with the commissioner of public safety.

Unit may also investigate conflict of interest cases involving peace officers and other public officials accused of crimes, including sexual assault.

When a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension peace officer is the subject of an officer-involved death investigation, the investigation must be conducted by an investigatory agency selected by the attorney general to avoid conflicts of interest.

Superintendent must make all case files publicly available on the bureau's website within 30 days of the end of the last criminal appeal and submit annual reports by February 1 to state leaders detailing investigations initiated, incidents investigated, outcomes, charging decisions, and plea agreements.

Appropriates funding from the general fund in fiscal year 2021 to the commissioner of public safety to establish and operate the unit, with funds added to the agency's base budget.