MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota House Honors Hortman Family, Advances Bill Increasing Penalties for Police Impersonation

ST. PAUL, MN (April 30, 2026) The Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation increasing criminal penalties for impersonating law enforcement following a series of tributes honoring former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, whose deaths in 2025 remain central to the policy response.

The bill, HF 3404, passed unanimously on April 23 and now advances to the Minnesota Senate, where a companion measure is under consideration. Lawmakers linked the proposal directly to a 2025 attack in which a suspect allegedly posed as a police officer to gain access to a residence.

Legislative Action and Vote

The measure, authored by Rep. Ginny Klevorn and co-authored by Rep. Kristin Bahner, received unanimous support in the House, with all members present voting in favor.

The legislation restructures Minnesota law by increasing penalties across multiple levels of police impersonation offenses and adding new criminal provisions tied to public safety risks.

Key Provisions

Under HF 3404, penalties for impersonating a peace officer would increase as follows:

• Standard impersonation offenses would be elevated from misdemeanor to felony level, with potential prison sentences and fines
• Crimes committed while impersonating an officer would carry enhanced penalties, including escalation from gross misdemeanor to felony charges
• Existing felony penalties tied to impersonation would include additional prison time

The bill also establishes new offenses and requirements, including:

• Firearm enhancement: Creating a felony offense for impersonating a peace officer while possessing a firearm, with increased sentencing exposure
• Vehicle enforcement: Strengthening penalties for the use of vehicles equipped with unauthorized emergency lights, sirens, or police-style markings
• Officer identification standards: Requiring uniformed officers, except those working undercover, to display identifying information including agency affiliation and badge number

A related proposal under consideration would require all law enforcement markings and equipment to be removed from retired police vehicles before resale to the public.

Context and Catalyst

The legislation follows the June 14, 2025 killings of Melissa Hortman and her husband in Brooklyn Park. Authorities allege the suspect used a disguise and posed as a law enforcement officer during the incident. The same event involved the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who survived.

During testimony and floor discussions, lawmakers described impersonation crimes as uniquely dangerous because they exploit public trust in law enforcement to facilitate access and control.

Legislative Tributes

The House session included formal recognition of Melissa Hortman’s legislative legacy. Hortman, the longest-serving female Speaker in Minnesota history, was credited with major policy initiatives including the state’s community solar program.

Earlier in the 2026 session, the House voted to rename Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden program in her honor. Lawmakers also marked the opening of the session with symbolic gestures, including placing roses on members’ desks and wearing green, a color associated with Hortman’s work on energy policy.

Next Steps

HF 3404 now moves to the Minnesota Senate, where a companion bill is progressing through the committee process. If approved by both chambers and signed by Governor Tim Walz, the enhanced penalties are expected to take effect August 1, 2026.

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