Political antagonists united by George Floyd's death to forge deal on police reform

Jul 24, 20200

Glen Stubbe – Star Tribune count

Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill into law Thursday. "Every single person, every single Minnesotan deserves to feel safe and protected in their communities, " he said.

Twenty-five days after George Floyd's death by Minneapolis police, top lawmakers in Minnesota's divided Legislature came together in a third floor Capitol conference room for their first substantive talks on police reform.

House Democrats, led by members of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, had put forward a far-reaching list of proposals, from use-of-force restrictions to voting rights for felons. Senate Republicans, wary that the House plan went too far, countered with an offer that included some, but not all of the DFL ideas.

Offers traded throughout the long night went nowhere. At dawn the following morning, June 20, the Legislature adjourned at loggerheads, ending an inconclusive special session. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said the sides appeared "a session away" from agreement.

https://www.startribune.com/walz-signs-police-accountability-bill-sparked-by-floyd-s-death/571875822/