St. Cloud Sun

Minnesota State Representative Paul Novotny has announced a series of new public safety and judiciary laws that took effect on July 1. Novotny, who sponsored the legislative package, said the measures are designed to improve community safety, streamline court processes, and enhance justice delivery.

Among the changes is an increase in penalties for assaulting firefighters. "We’re making it crystal clear: those who put their lives on the line deserve every ounce of protection the law can give," Novotny stated.

The statute of limitations for first-degree arson has been extended from five to ten years. This change gives prosecutors more time to pursue cases against individuals accused of arson.

County attorneys now have expanded authority to use administrative subpoenas when investigating wage theft. According to Novotny, "This helps get to the bottom of dishonest employer practices faster and protect workers’ hard-earned pay."

A new law makes it a crime to knowingly expose children to fentanyl. "This lifesaving law puts child safety front and center," Novotny said.

Other provisions in the legislative package include expanding crimes related to destruction of public utilities such as streetlights and electronic signs, protecting correctional officers from false reports known as “swatting,” increasing civil court filing fees by $25 to fund services for crime victims, allowing police broader use of drones and mobile devices in tracking stolen or fleeing vehicles, and tightening privacy rules around student directories and property records.

Novotny described these measures as significant steps forward for Minnesota’s public safety system. "This law is a big win for public safety, justice, and protecting Minnesota families. I’m proud to fight for these commonsense policies to ensure our communities are safe and that our courts work fairly and efficiently for everyone," he said.

In his message marking Independence Day, Novotny reflected on the significance of July 4th in American history. He noted that 249 years ago, signers of the Declaration of Independence affirmed core values such as equality and unalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. "That powerful idea has guided our country ever since, through times of trial and triumph alike," he wrote.

Novotny also recognized those who serve their communities—soldiers, veterans, first responders—as well as ordinary citizens contributing daily to national strength. He encouraged Minnesotans celebrating Independence Day with parades or family gatherings to remember these contributions: "Their courage reminds us that freedom isn’t something we can take for granted—it’s something we must protect and pass on to the next generation."

He concluded his statement with holiday wishes: "Happy Independence Day. Let freedom ring!"