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Bipartisan Public Safety Package Heads to Senate
The bipartisan measure includes provisions on retail theft, licensing, and law enforcement practices.
On April 30, the House of Representatives amended and passed a public safety policy bill, HF 3990/SF 4760*, on a 116-16 vote. Each provision included in the package received bipartisan support during the committee hearing process.
Sponsored by Rep. Paul Novotny (R-Elk River), the package addresses a wide range of issues, including private detective licensure, retail theft, identity theft, and crimes of coercion.
For cities, the bill includes provisions that could affect employment practices, law enforcement procedures, and local regulation:
- Evidence of rehabilitation for public employment. The bill would give public employers discretion to disqualify applicants with criminal convictions related to the position sought, based on the evidence presented. It also clarifies that consideration of evidence applies to both rehabilitation and present fitness for the job.
- Notification required when chemical irritants are deployed. Law enforcement agencies that deploy chemical irritants, smoke screens, or diversionary devices in a building would need to notify the buildings’ owner and occupants. The commissioner of public safety would be required to develop a standard notification form to ensure consistency.
- Sale or possession of kratom. The bill would increase the legal age to purchase and possess kratom from 18 to 21 and make it a misdemeanor to sell kratom to anyone under 21.
- Ban on prediction markets. Prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket — which some legislators say circumvent Minnesota’s gambling laws — would be banned starting Aug. 1, 2026.
The Senate heard its omnibus public safety bill, SF 4760, on the floor during the week of April 25 but laid it over before taking a final vote. The Senate version is sponsored by Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park).
Because the House amended HF 3990/SF 4760, the bill must now return to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate does not agree with the House changes, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve the differences.