Minnesota senators move to stiffen penalties for police impersonation and bar sale of police‑style vehicles

Senate Judiciary Committee members voted to recommend passage of two related bills aimed at preventing people from impersonating peace officers and from selling de‑facto police vehicles to the public.

Senator Hoffman presented Senate File 35‑75, which would increase penalties for persons who present themselves visually or verbally as Minnesota peace officers. He framed the proposal as a trust and public‑safety measure and recounted a personal incident that motivated his sponsorship. Mike LeDoux, director of legislative affairs for Law Enforcement Labor Services and a retired state trooper, testified that the bill has broad backing across law enforcement and argued impersonation “is not a minor offense” because it can facilitate violent or other serious crimes.

The committee also considered Senate File 42‑35, which would prohibit sale of a former public safety vehicle to a private buyer unless identifying equipment and insignia that could mislead the public are removed first. The author said online marketplaces and social media have made police‑looking vehicles easily obtainable and cited repeated traffic stops involving such vehicles.

An A1 author’s amendment to SF 35‑75 was adopted, and committee members asked technical and enforcement questions about the vehicle bill. Both measures were moved forward on voice votes: SF 35‑75 was recommended to pass and be re‑referred to the Senate Committee on Finance; SF 42‑35 was recommended to pass and be re‑referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation.

Supporters said the measures protect public trust in law enforcement and reduce opportunities for criminals to intimidate or mislead residents. Members asked staff to ensure statutory cross‑references and enforcement mechanisms were clear before floor consideration. The committee recessed pending additional business later in the day.