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HF 2173

First responders; crime of approaching first responders or remaining too close after warning defined.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Bakeberg and 5 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill criminalizes approaching first responders or ignoring warnings to maintain distance during emergency situations, creating enforceable safety boundaries around police and emergency personnel.

Author added Hudson
#crimesandcriminals #emergencyand911services #publicsafetydepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 2173

Legislative bill overview

HF 2173 creates a new crime in Minnesota specifically for approaching first responders or remaining too close after being warned to maintain distance. The bill defines prohibited conduct around police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders during their official duties and establishes criminal penalties for violations.

Why is this important

First responders face increasing safety risks during emergency calls and police interactions. This legislation attempts to protect them by creating a legal barrier that gives officers enforceable authority to exclude people from emergency scenes and active situations. The practical impact depends on how courts interpret the distance requirements and what constitutes adequate warning.

Potential points of contention

  • Vagueness concerns: The bill's language around "too close" may be challenging to enforce consistently without specific distance measurements, raising constitutional concerns about due process and fair notice to the public
  • Police discretion: Defining when someone has been "warned" creates subjective judgment calls that could vary by officer and situation, potentially leading to inconsistent enforcement
  • Legitimate access restrictions: The law could inadvertently prevent media, legal observers, family members, or other people with legitimate reasons from being present during emergency response, raising free speech and access concerns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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