Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle crime modified, actions by peace officers in police pursuits authorized, and civil liability addressed.

This bill modifies Minnesota's laws regarding fleeing peace officers in motor vehicles and clarifies when officers may use deadly force during police pursuits. It directly affects state patrol officers, local law enforcement, and individuals involved in high-speed chases. The legislation adds a new requirement for state patrol officers to make reasonable efforts to apprehend suspects violating the fleeing peace officer statute, while also updating the legal standard for deadly force to consider the perspective of a reasonable officer at the time of the incident rather than with hindsight. The bill also includes specific guidance for officers interacting with individuals who have physical, mental health, developmental, or intellectual disabilities, and it establishes that fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle poses an actual and imminent threat to public safety. These changes take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to crimes committed on or after that date.