MN HF77

Attorney general assumes prosecution authority over all peace-officer-involved death cases, with county attorneys able to assist upon request.

Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit established within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to investigate officer-involved deaths and conflict of interest cases involving peace officers; unit must publish case files publicly within 30 days of final criminal appeal and report annually to legislature on investigations and outcomes.

Deadly force authority limited to situations necessary to protect human life or prevent escape of felony suspects; officers prohibited from using deadly force based solely on danger to self if objectively reasonable officer would not believe person poses imminent threat of death or great bodily harm.

Defendants charged with misdemeanor offenses must be released on personal recognizance unless court determines substantial likelihood they will not appear or pose threat to victim safety; financial conditions of release cannot result in pretrial detention, effective August 1, 2020.

Appropriations made to attorney general for prosecuting peace-officer-involved death cases and to commissioner of public safety for establishing and operating the Use of Force Investigations Unit.