[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan released the following statements today in response to the police accountability reform package passed by the Legislature early this morning.

“ George Floyd’s death brought the need for meaningful police reform into sharp focus for Minnesotans across the state,” Governor Walz said. “After decades of advocacy by communities of color and Indigenous communities, the bipartisan passage of these measures is a critical step toward justice. This is only the beginning. The work does not end today.”

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected by police,” Governor Walz said. “I look forward to signing into law these critical reforms to strengthen transparency and community oversight of policing, ban chokeholds and ‘warrior training,’ expand autism awareness and mental health de-escalation training for officers, and change the circumstances under which officers can use deadly force. These changes are long overdue.”

“The murder of George Floyd has laid bare injustices in a law enforcement system that does not serve and protect all Minnesotans equally,” said Lt. Governor Flanagan. “The bills passed by the Legislature will establish necessary measures of accountability and initiate meaningful reform as we work together to build a system that values public safety for all. This is not the end of our commitment to people, families, and communities impacted by police violence, and there is still so much work to do. We must continue to work in partnership with those most affected to achieve real change. I am grateful to the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus for leading this conversation.”