Senate considering bill that would increase penalty for fleeing police in a motor vehicle 

The Minnesota Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety discussed a trio of bills yesterday that aim to increase the penalty for people found guilty of  fleeing police in a motor vehicle. Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) who is the author of one of the bills tells us why this is something she feels is needed, and she also gives us an overview of her bill. 

Testifying in favor of the bills was Olmsted County Sheriff and MN Sheriff’s Association Representative Kevin Torgerson who said these increased penalties in his opinion would save lives, and deter criminals from fleeing. 

Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia) who is the chief author of one of the bills,  spoke of a time that her family was put at risk of a motorist fleeing law enforcement. 

The three bills under consideration are Senate Files 191, 323, and 1224. More information on the bills can be seen online at the Minnesota Legislature website www.revisor.mn.gov.