Walz Convenes Special Session For Police Reform, Economy Issues

SAINT PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday announced that he will convene a special legislative session for police reform and economic issues following the death of George Floyd.

"Minnesota is at a turning point," Walz said in a statement. "This is our chance to take strong action to combat persistent structural inequities, pass substantive police reform, and build a stronger economy."

The session will begin June 12.

"In this unprecedented moment, we must take unprecedented action on police accountability, equity, and economic recovery," stated Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. "This is not business as usual. We have an extraordinary opportunity to create meaningful, lasting change. We cannot waste this moment with hesitation."

The governor says he supports the recommendations on police reform that will be introduced by the Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous Caucus and the Attorney General’s Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters Working Group.

According to the governor's office, the proposals "support use of force reform; funding for alternatives to policing; greater police oversight; voting restoration; community healing; and prosecutorial, investigatory, and training reform."

Walz also announced Wednesday that he will extend the coronavirus peacetime emergency by 30 days "to ensure the state can continue to quickly and effectively respond to the pandemic."