MN Senate Moves Slowly on Police Reform Bills

With only five days left in the Minnesota legislative session, Governor Tim Walz, democratic representatives and faith leaders are calling on the Republican-led state senate to move with urgency on the police reform bills. Meanwhile, Judge Cahill found four aggravating factors in the death of George Floyd that would justify a tougher sentence for Derek Chauvin.

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Samantha HoangLong reports: 
With only five days left in the Minnesota legislative session, Governor Tim Walz, democratic representatives and faith leaders are calling on the Republican-led state senate to move with urgency on the police reform bills. Representative Cedrick Frazier serves on the public safety conference committee:
“The good news is that we have provided several offers to the GOP senate. The bad news is that they have not responded to any of those offers. The bad news is also that they have provided several excuses as to why they have not responded to any of those offers,” said Frasier. “None that prevent them from responding to the pain, the grief and the heartache of community members that have been crying out for years, for decades, to have change and reform, to make the lives of all Minnesotans better.”
Frazier says GOP senators invited law enforcement to testify this past Monday.
“Fortunately, we have been engaged with law enforcement throughout this session and to have them in the room on Monday saying they largely agree with many of the provisions in the bill that will move us forward – that makes me hopeful and that keeps me hopeful,” said Frasier.
Meanwhile, Judge Cahill found four aggravating factors in the death of George Floyd that would justify a tougher sentence for Derek Chauvin.
The judge ruled that Chauvin abused his power of authority as a police officer and treated Floyd with particular cruelty. He also noted the presence of children when Chauvin committed the crime, and that three other officers were involved.
Based on those findings, the judge could sentence Chauvin up to 40 years, but experts say the most he will likely face is 30 years.
Chauvin is currently being held in solitary confinement at the state’s maximum security prison in Oak Park Heights. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25.

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