Committee recommends $3.5M state investment to expand regional fencing consortium for rapid crowd‑separation deployments

The Judiciary Committee recommended S.F. 27‑09, an appropriation to the Department of Public Safety to provide a one‑time $3.5 million investment for the regional fencing consortium that deploys anti‑scale fencing as a de‑escalation tool.

Senator Croon said the appropriation would equip and expand the consortium so member agencies can mount timely deployments to protect critical infrastructure, preserve protester safety, and reduce property damage. Chief Brian Pedani of Blaine and Deputy Chief Elliot Faust of Brooklyn Park described the consortium’s post‑2020 multi‑agency planning, training, and the practical benefits of rapid fencing in protecting scenes and allowing lawful protests.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Geiger of the Minnesota State Patrol emphasized reduced personnel demands and improved safety when fencing is in place.

Senator Croon moved that S.F. 27‑09 be recommended to pass and re‑referred to the Senate Committee on Finance; the motion prevailed.

Supporters framed the funding as a preventive, regionally coordinated investment; some members suggested routing the appropriation through finance to allow budgetary consideration.