Minnesota2026Passed Legislature
HF3404
Stricter Rules for Faking Being a Police Officer
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 3:39 AM
In one sentence
This law increases penalties for impersonating an officer, creates new crimes for having guns while faking the role or committing other offenses as a fake officer, and requires real officers to identify themselves in most situations.
What it does
- Changes impersonating an officer with intent to mislead from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by up to two years in prison or a $4,000 fine.
- Creates enhanced penalties for impersonating an officer while gaining access to restricted buildings, directing people without authority, violating traffic laws regarding sirens/lights, or operating vehicles marked as law enforcement.
- Establishes that possessing a firearm while impersonating an officer is punishable by up to ten years in prison or a $20,000 fine.
- Increases penalties for repeat offenders who violate this section within five years of a previous violation.
- Adds enhanced sentencing if someone commits other crimes (misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies) while impersonating an officer.
- Requires licensed peace officers and certain others to identify their agency, last name, and ID number when interacting with the public.
- Allows identification requirements to be met by wearing a uniform with clear markings, displaying specific labels on body armor for special teams, or providing information upon request.
Who it affects
- People who falsely pretend to be peace officers
- Licensed law enforcement officers and those from neighboring states or tribes exercising authority in Minnesota
Limits and unknowns
- The law only applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2026.
- Undercover officers do not have to reveal their identity unless they are detaining someone, arresting a person, or executing a warrant.
- If an officer fails to show ID as required, it does not make an arrest illegal.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Felony
- A serious crime that can result in prison time longer than one year.
- Misdemeanor
- A less serious crime with shorter possible jail sentences or fines.
- Peace Officer
- A person authorized to enforce laws, such as a police officer, sheriff, or state trooper.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Criminal penalty for impersonating a peace officer increased, crime of impersonating a peace officer while possessing a firearm established, enhanced penalties established, persons presenting as peace officers required to fulfill duty to identify, and criminal penalties established.
Official activity
Bill history
- Presented to Governor 05/14/2026House
- Presentment date 05/14/26Senate
- Returned from SenateHouse
- Special OrderSenate
- Comm report: To passSenate
- Received from HouseSenate
- Third readingHouse
- House rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day 04/23/2026House
- Committee report, to adoptHouse
- Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to Ways and MeansHouse
- Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and PolicyHouse