Committee backs bill letting state law enforcement keep retired badges at no cost

The Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 17 recommended passage of Senate File 1158, which addresses surplus law-enforcement badges being replaced after the state seal change. Senator Howe offered an author’s amendment (A2) that removed language authorizing sales and instead provides the surplus badges to current and retired personnel at no cost; the committee approved the amendment and then the bill by voice vote.

Senator Howe said the change stems from the state seal update and the consequent replacement of badges. Trooper Mike LeDoux, president of the Minnesota State Patrol Troopers Association, testified in support and described badges as "more than just an identifier" and "a symbol of dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting the people of Minnesota." He urged bipartisan support and called the measure a practical process that preserves badges as keepsakes rather than destroying them.

Committee members asked logistical questions. Senator Jasinski asked what would happen to badges if personnel did not want them; Trooper LeDoux and others said without the bill badges would likely be recycled or destroyed. Senator Hirt asked about proceeds; the A2 amendment removed sale for proceeds and made badges available at no cost, which the chair described as acceptable. Senator Carlson raised concerns about badges ending up in illicit use; Trooper LeDoux testified he was not aware of instances where former troopers' badges were misused and noted other safeguards and the availability of replicas online.

Senator Howe renewed his motion that SF 1158 be recommended to pass as amended and referred to state and local government; the committee carried the motion by voice vote. The hearing record does not show a numerical roll-call tally.