Police Push Back as Jaywalking Decriminalization Gains Momentum" California's move to decriminalize jaywalking faces fierce resistance from law

# Minnesota Moves to Decriminalize Jaywalking—Why Are Police Pushing Back?

Minnesota is poised to become the latest state to **decriminalize jaywalking**, a move that supporters claim will reduce inequitable policing. However, law enforcement agencies are pushing back, arguing that the change could lead to more pedestrian accidents and chaos on the roads.

## What Does the Proposed Law Change?

Under **current Minnesota law**, pedestrians can be fined up to **$185** for crossing streets outside marked crosswalks when they are available. The proposed **Freedom to Walk Act** (HF 3509/SF 3043) would eliminate these penalties in most cases, allowing people to cross roads safely—even outside designated crosswalks—as long as they don’t impede traffic.

### Key Provisions:
- **No fines** for crossing mid-block if done safely.
- **Pedestrians retain right-of-way** in unmarked crosswalks.
- **Drivers must still yield** to pedestrians, regardless of location.

## Supporters: A Step Toward Equity

Advocates argue that jaywalking laws disproportionately **target low-income communities and people of color**, leading to unnecessary police stops and fines.

> "This isn’t about encouraging reckless behavior—it’s about **fairness and common sense**," said Rep. Sydney Jordan (DFL-Minneapolis), one of the bill’s sponsors. "People should be able to cross the street safely without fear of a ticket."

## Police Opposition: Safety Concerns

Law enforcement groups, including the **Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA)**, warn that decriminalization could lead to **more accidents and confusion**.

- **Increased Collisions?** Officers argue that allowing pedestrians to cross anywhere could make roads more unpredictable.
- **Enforcement Challenges?** Without jaywalking laws, police say it will be harder to hold reckless pedestrians accountable.
- **Traffic Flow Disruptions?** Some worry that mid-block crossings could slow down emergency response times.

## What’s Next?

The bill has already passed the **Minnesota House** and is now awaiting Senate approval. If signed into law, Minnesota would join **California, Virginia, and Nevada** in decriminalizing jaywalking.

### What Do You Think?
- Should pedestrians be free to cross streets anywhere, or do jaywalking laws keep roads safer?
- **Are jaywalking fines just another way to target marginalized communities?**
- **Would removing penalties actually lead to more accidents, or is that just fearmongering?**
- Should drivers bear **more responsibility** for pedestrian safety?

Let us know in the comments—do you support decriminalizing jaywalking, or is this a step too far?