Minnesota Legislature: Public Safety



Chief Justice Magnuson

Chief justice: Budget cuts could have been worse, but still hurt

Minnesota Chief Justice Eric Magnuson says the state of the judiciary right now is "OK." Magnuson says legislative budget cuts could have been much worse. (06/26/2009)

House votes for tougher seat belt law

The Minnesota House waited until the last day of the session to pass a bill that would allow police to stop vehicles solely for seat belt violations. (05/18/2009)
MySpace

Minn. lawmakers curb sex offender Web access

The highest-risk sex offenders will face limits on their Internet access under a bill the Minnesota Legislature voted unanimously to send to Gov. Tim Pawlenty. (05/06/2009)

Cities, state wrangle over low-level speeding fines

Cities across Minnesota are hoping this is the year the Legislature clarifies whether they can issue fines for minor traffic stops. (05/03/2009)

Medical marijuana bill clears Minn. Senate

The Minnesota Senate has approved legislation that would allow medical marijuana use for seriously ill patients. (04/29/2009)

Criminal intelligence bill runs into stiff opposition at Capitol

A proposal to give police in Minnesota the authority to collect secret data that isn't directly related to a crime ran into stiff opposition at the Capitol Friday. (03/20/2009)

Medical marijuana bill takes another step forward

A bill to allow the medical use of marijuana in Minnesota has cleared another committee in the state Senate. (03/10/2009)

Pawlenty: Courts need to modernize

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is pushing back against a drive by state court officials to avert funding cuts. Pawlenty said that court budgets need trimming as a way to pressure them to modernize their inefficient processes. (02/25/2009)

Lawmakers want to shuffle inmates, sex offenders

Several Republican lawmakers want to save the state more than $100 million by shuffling medium-security state prisoners and civilly committed sex offenders. (02/24/2009)

Put down the cell phone and drive

Whether it's chewing a hamburger, smoking a cigar or answering a cell phone, some Minnesota lawmakers want distracted drivers to face penalties if their behavior contributes to an accident. (02/10/2009)

State courts seek $54 million to avoid cuts

Minnesota court leaders say they need an extra $54 million or they will have to cut hundreds of jobs and force delays in hearing cases. (09/19/2008)

Minnesota counties say they're stiffed on jail costs

Minnesota counties say local governments can no longer afford to house short term offenders in county jails. They want the state to stop passing the buck to counties. (09/18/2008)

House passes bill to restrict teen drivers

A bill passed by the House limits the number of passengers teenage drivers can have in their vehicles. Teens would also be prohibited from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. during their first six months with a license. (04/25/2008)

House panel rejects bill to expand right to shoot in self defense

Gov. Pawlenty says he hopes state lawmakers reconsider a bill to expand the right of people to use deadly force to defend themselves in their homes, businesses or cars if they feel they're in imminent danger. (03/14/2008)

Bill would allow 13-year-olds to be tried as adults

A Minnesota House committee has approved a bill which would allow juveniles as young as 13 to be charged as adults for certain serious crimes. Right now the limit is 14. Bob Collins recaps the testimony in his News Cut blog. (03/13/2008)

MPR News
Radio

Listen Now

On Air

Morning Edition®

Schedule

Shortcuts
Hourly Newscast
Hosts
Station Map

Other Radio Streams from MPR

Classical MPR
Radio Heartland

Services

Become a Sponsor

In The Spotlight

  • Sound Learning

    Looking for ways to ensure your students are doing quality research from credible sources? Sound Learning is a launching point to Minnesota Public Radio's content on the Web.

  • The Current Music Blog

    Your daily note for good music, news and pop culture. With attempted jokes.