Franzen-Authored Bill Would Allow Active Service Members to Take POST Test

Sen. Melisa Franzen's (DFL-Edina) legislation aimed at allowing active duty service members a chance to take the peace officer reciprocity examination recently came before the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.

The bill, SF319, was the result of Staff Sergeant Kristofer Geiger, a constituent of Senate District 49, reaching out to Sen. Franzen. Franzen called the legislation "a common sense change that will not only help Staff Sergeant Geiger, but many other men and women in the military."

Minnesota law currently requires active members of the military to wait until they are honorably discharged to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Test to become law enforcement officers in a non-military agency. The bill tweaks that law, instead allowing military police to take the test while on active duty.

“We are always looking for ways to help our veterans transition back to civilian life,” Franzen said in a release. “This is a small change, but I think it will be a big benefit to the men and women in the military that want to go into law enforcement. Making them wait is simply a roadblock to employment that doesn’t need to exist.”

The bill, which was supported by the POST Board, was recommended to pass by the Judiciary Committee and will reach the Senate floor in the near future. 

Here’s a rundown of other bills authored or co-authored by your legislators this past week:

Sen. Melisa Franzen (DFL-49): 

• Authored a bill requiring the designation of an individual to monitor compliance with underage drinking laws during transportation provided by a motor carrier of passengers or limousine service. SF717, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored a bill providing for the treatment of unlawful immigrants with respect to financial aid and tuition at public postsecondary institutions. SF723, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored a bill establishing "Start Seeing Motorcycles" special license plates in Minnesota. SF737, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored the Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act, aimed at curbing bullying, cyberbullying, harassment and indimidation in Minnesota schools. SF783, introduced Feb. 25.

Rep. Ron Erhardt (DFL-49A):

• Authored a bill creating additional remedies for victims of violence as it pertains to landlords and tenants. HF859, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored a bill providing for the treatment of unlawful immigrants with respect to financial aid and tuition at public postsecondary institutions. HF875, introduced Feb. 25.

• Chief authored a bill amending transportation finance and tax provisions, issuing bonds and appropriating money. HF931, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored a bill appropriating money for Como Regional Park access and circulation improvements. HF934, introduced Feb. 25.

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-49B):

• Chief authored a bill authorizing a pilot project for the Office of Administrative Hearings to review driver's license revocation or disqualification and motor vehicle plate impoundment resulting from implied consent violations. HF858, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored a bill providing medical assistance eligibility for inmates while they are inpatients in a medical institution. HF869, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored a bill providing for the treatment of unlawful immigrants with respect to financial aid and tuition at public postsecondary institutions. HF875, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored a bill requiring reduced or capped tuition rates at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in certain circumstances and requiring certification of reduced or capped tuition at the University of Minnesota prior to distribution of state-appropriated funds in certain circumstances. HF907, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored a bill appropriating $80 million to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota. HF908, introduced Feb. 25.

• Authored a bill appropriating $15 million for asset preservation and exhibit renewal at the Minnesota Zoo. HF928, introduced Feb. 25.

• Chief authored a bill changing terminology in Minnesota law regarding terroristic threats crimes from "intent to terrorize" to "intent to cause extreme fear." HF943, introduced Feb. 25.

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