Purpose of the Bill

The bill seeks to modify the provisions related to special peace officers at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Main Provisions

• Appointment of Peace Officers: The secretary or president of the State Agriculture Society is authorized to appoint as many peace officers as necessary for the regulation of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. These appointments are formalized in writing.

• Duties and Powers: Once appointed, peace officers must take the usual oath of office. They are granted the same powers and authority as other peace officers within the fairgrounds. This includes the ability to arrest individuals without a warrant if they are found violating state law or any rule or ordinance of the society. Officers can remove offenders and their property from the grounds and bring them before a court if necessary.

• Identification: Peace officers are required to wear an appropriate badge while on duty.

• Contractual Arrangements: The society has the ability to contract with the state, counties, or municipalities for additional police services on the fairgrounds.

Significant Changes

• Event-Triggered Police Services: A new requirement mandates that the society must provide police services during major events estimated to gather at least 2,500 attendees. This includes policing on the fairgrounds and within a half-mile radius.

Relevant Terms

special peace officers, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, police service, police protection, major events, law enforcement, oath of office, regulation, arrest without warrant, State Agriculture Society, event security.