MN HF1718

Requires railroads intending to employ railroad peace officers to appoint a Minnesota-licensed chief law enforcement officer who must submit credentials to the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training before exercising peace officer powers.

Grants railroad peace officers full peace officer powers on railroad property for offenses involving injury to passengers or employees or damage to railroad property, with authority limited to railroad premises except for pursuit authority under section 629.40.

Prohibits railroads from directing peace officers to enforce non-criminal rules, policies, or procedures, or to investigate civil litigation matters, with violations subject to discipline under Minnesota Rules chapter 6700.

Establishes that railroads must compensate their peace officers and are fully liable for all acts and damages caused by railroad peace officers, while exempting the state and political subdivisions from any liability.

Authorizes the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training to immediately suspend or revoke the chief law enforcement officer's license, which automatically disbands the railroad's law enforcement agency and places all railroad peace officer licenses in inactive status.