Minnesota

Fines for protests | HF 322 | 90th Legislature

Summary A measure to allow the suing of protesters for law enforcement costs “related to unlawful assemblies and public nuisances.” Bills in both the House and Senate.

Status Passed committee. Re-referred to Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee, 1/26/17.

Take Action Step 1 Contact members of the House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee. Find Committee Member Contact Information

Take Action Step 2 Check ResistanceCalendar.org (search by your state) to see if any actions are planned, or organize your own protest or office visit to your state representatives. Creating a Facebook event is a good way to get the word out, send us a link to info@voiceproject.org and we’ll post it as well.

Take Action Step 3 Contact Governor Mark Dayton and tell him to veto this bill if it reaches his desk. Phone: (651) 201-3400

Fines for protests | SF 679 | 90th Legislature

Summary A measure to allow the suing of protesters for law enforcement costs “related to unlawful assemblies and public nuisances.” Bills in both the House and Senate.

Status In committee. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, 2/6/17.

Take Action Step 1 Contact members of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. Find Committee Member Contact Information

Take Action Step 2 Check ResistanceCalendar.org (search by your state) to see if any actions are planned, or organize your own protest or office visit to your state representatives. Creating a Facebook event is a good way to get the word out, send us a link to info@voiceproject.org and we’ll post it as well.

Take Action Step 3 Contact Governor Mark Dayton and tell him to veto this bill if it reaches his desk. Phone: (651) 201-3400

Traffic obstruction penalties | HF 1066 | 90th Legislature

Summary Bills in both the House and Senate increase criminal penalties for traffic-impeding protests.

Status House Vote: Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee voted to adopt bill and sent back to House for second reading.

Take Action Step 1 Contact members of the House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee. Find Committee Member Contact Information

Take Action Step 2 Check ResistanceCalendar.org (search by your state) to see if any actions are planned, or organize your own protest or office visit to your state representatives. Creating a Facebook event is a good way to get the word out, send us a link to info@voiceproject.org and we’ll post it as well.

Take Action Step 3 Contact Governor Mark Dayton and tell him to veto this bill if it reaches his desk. Phone: (651) 201-3400

Traffic obstruction penalties | SF 918 | 90th Legislature

Summary Bills in both the House and Senate increase criminal penalties for traffic-impeding protests.

Status In committee. Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.

Take Action Step 1 Contact members of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. Find Committee Member Contact Information

Take Action Step 2 Check ResistanceCalendar.org (search by your state) to see if any actions are planned, or organize your own protest or office visit to your state representatives. Creating a Facebook event is a good way to get the word out, send us a link to info@voiceproject.org and we’ll post it as well.

Take Action Step 3 Contact Governor Mark Dayton and tell him to veto this bill if it reaches his desk. Phone: (651) 201-3400

Traffic obstruction penalties | SF 803 | 90th Legislature

Summary Bills in both the House and Senate increase criminal penalties for traffic-impeding protests.

Status This bill replaced HF 390 and SF 676. It was vetoed by the governor on 5/15/2017.

Increased penalty for protest affecting critical infrastructure | HF 3693 | 90th Legislature

Summary Significantly increases penalties for protesters who block access to critical infrastructure, which is broadly defined in Minnesota to include stations and highways. The bill also extends penalties to any person or entity who “recruits, trains, aids, advises, hires, counsels, or conspires with” such protesters. If the protester trespasses then both he and the person who “recruits, trains, aids, advises, hires, counsels, or conspires with” him are guilty of gross misdemeanor (one year in jail and $3,000). If the protester trespasses with the intent to “significantly disrupt” the normal operation of critical infrastructure, he and the person who “recruits, trains, aids, advises, hires, counsels, or conspires with” him are guilty of a felony (up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 fine).

Status Passed House on 5/1/18. Companion text in Senate currently under review.

Take Action Step 1 Contact your state Senators. Find Your Senator’s Contact Information

Take Action Step 2 Check ResistanceCalendar.org (search by your state) to see if any actions are planned, or organize your own protest or office visit to your state representatives. Creating a Facebook event is a good way to get the word out, send us a link to info@voiceproject.org and we’ll post it as well.