House committee fails to advance bill that would ban government use of facial recognition After testimony from civil-rights advocates and law-enforcement officials, the Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee voted 7–6 against referring HF3661, a proposal to ban government use of facial recognition, after debate over privacy risks, bias, and public‑safety uses.

Minnesota's House committee narrowly rejected a bill aimed at banning government facial recognition use, igniting a heated debate over privacy and public safety.

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House sends proposal creating state civil‑rights remedy to state‑government committee, 109–18 On Feb. 23, 2026, the Minnesota House voted 109–18 to recall House File 3477 from Judiciary and re‑refer it to State Government Finance and Policy. Supporters said the bill creates remedies for constitutional‑rights violations; opponents raised federal‑preemption and scope concerns.

The Minnesota House has taken a bold step towards protecting civil rights by voting to create a state remedy for constitutional violations, igniting a heated debate on accountability and government liability.

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Committee considers law to require identification for masked officers and narrow exceptions for undercover or tactical roles Senate File 35‑90 would update Minnesota’s statute on concealing identity to require visible identification for officers (including federal agents) with limited exceptions for undercover operations and tactical situations; witnesses described being sprayed or harmed by unidentifiable agents.

Minnesota is considering a groundbreaking bill that would require federal agents to reveal their identities, following disturbing accounts of unidentifiable masked officers engaging in harmful actions.

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#MN #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #MinnesotaCivilRights

Senate committee hears lawmakers, advocates spar over state cause of action to sue federal officers Authors and supporters of SF 36‑28 told the Judiciary Committee the bill would create a state cause of action allowing Minnesotans to sue federal officers for constitutional violations; opponents warned it could hamper federal‑local partnerships and urged broader stakeholder engagement.

A new bill in Minnesota could empower residents to sue federal officers for constitutional violations, igniting a fierce debate over accountability and collaboration in law enforcement.

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#MN #FederalOversight #CommunityLawReform #CitizenPortal #MinnesotaCivilRights

DOJ confirms civil-rights probe into Minnesota shooting; says FBI and DHS are coordinating Deputy Attorney General Branch said the Department of Justice has opened a civil-rights investigation into the recent Minnesota shooting, described the investigative steps and interagency coordination, and declined to comment on custody of specific evidence or other active criminal matters.

The Department of Justice has launched a civil-rights investigation into the recent Minnesota shooting, with multiple federal agencies coordinating their efforts to uncover the truth.

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#US #CivilLiberties #CitizenPortal #InteragencyCooperation #MinnesotaCivilRights

Minnesota Committee Discusses Human Rights Budget and Law Enforcement Concerns Minnesota committee hears testimony on funding for civil rights and police recruitment challenges.

Crucial budget discussions in Minnesota reveal a tug-of-war between civil rights enforcement and law enforcement needs—will the state prioritize protections or public safety?

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#MN #CivilRightsEnforcement #CitizenPortal #MinnesotaCivilRights #PublicSafety #LawEnforcementReform