Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Ron Latz
DFL senators: Could stronger laws have prevented the Loring Park mass shooting?
DFL senators: Could stronger laws have prevented the Loring Park mass shooting? Earlier this year, the Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive package to prevent gun violence. It was blocked by Lisa Demuth. A Minneapolis Police officer lays out a perimeter with police tape after a mass shooting in the Loring Park neighborhood in Minneapolis, Sept. 2.
Senator Ron Latz Statement on Islamic Center of San Diego Shooting
(ST. PAUL, MN) – In response to the Monday shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which has left 3 people dead in what investigators are calling a hate crime, Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) issues the following statement: “I am horrified by this violence, and I grieve for the victims and their families. Our holy sites of worship should be places of refuge and peace, not targets for violence. We must condemn all acts of hatred, but especially violence directed at places of worship.
Safety and Security Package Authored by Senator Ron Latz Passes Minnesota Senate
ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation chief-authored by Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) to improve safety and security at the Capitol complex, in Minnesota’s courts, and for lawmakers and other state officials. The package passed in a bipartisan vote of 45 to 19.
Senator Ron Latz Statement on Proposal Creating Office of Animal Protection
ST. PAUL, Minn. – During Friday’s hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, the committee led by Chair Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) advanced bipartisan legislation creating an Office of Animal Protection within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Senator Ron Latz Statement on Minnesota’s Lawsuit Against Federal Government for Evidence in Good, Pretti Killings
ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Tuesday it was announced that the state of Minnesota is suing the Trump administration for withholding evidence from the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis.
Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Package Protecting Minnesotans from Harm and Abuse by Federal Immigration Enforcement
ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee advanced a substantial package of legislation protecting the civil, human, and constitutional rights of Minnesotans in response to the unprecedented abuse from federal immigration enforcement the state experienced by Operation Metro Surge.
Senator Ron Latz Statement on Monday’s Passage of Equal Rights Amendment in Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee
[ST. PAUL, Minn.] – On a party line vote of 6 – 4 with all DFLers voting yes, the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee today passed SF 473, a bill which would put the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment on November’s ballot. The legislation now moves to the Senate Rules Committee where it will be considered before moving to the floor.
Senator Ron Latz Condemns FBI Decision to Exclude Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from Investigation of the Killing of Alex Pretti
St. Paul, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension received formal notice from the FBI that it will not provide access to critical information and evidence in the investigation of the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis. Senator Ron Latz issued the following statement: “This decision marks a stark departure from the established practice of collaboration between the state and federal government on investigations.
Senator Ron Latz Statement on Mass Resignations and Critically Low Staffing Levels in the U.S. Attorney’s
[ST. PAUL, Minn.] – According to reports in recent weeks, mass resignations in the U.S. Attorneys office of Minnesota have left staffing at critical levels, with as few as 17 assistant attorneys still available from a high last year of 70. The departures include many of the leading prosecutors on high-profile cases involving fraud, violent crime, and accountability for the activities of federal agents.
Senator Ron Latz Statement on Holocaust Remembrance Day
[ST. PAUL, Minn.] – Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) released the statement below recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945. “It is ironic that today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. While the road to the Holocaust was long, what we have experienced in Minneapolis in the last several months is similar to Germany in the 1930s.
Senator Latz Statement on Man Shot and Killed by Federal Agents in Minneapolis Saturday
[ST. PAUL, Minn.] – Following the shooting death of a man by federal agents in South Minneapolis Saturday morning, Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) released the following statement: “I’m horrified by the events this morning in South Minneapolis. I urge Minnesotans to be safe and to respect the efforts of local and state law enforcement partners as they try to maintain the peace.
Senator Ron Latz: Federal Authorities Must Honor Constitutional Rights of All Minnesotans, Including Detainees
(ST. PAUL, Minn) – Amidst reports alleging that the Department of Homeland Security is denying legal counsel to detainees held in Minnesota and ongoing reports of abuses by federal agents against legal residents and citizens, Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) chair of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee is calling on federal officials to uphold their oath and responsibilities to the Constitution, and to honor the Constitutional rights of all Minnesotans.
Senator Ron Latz Statement on Anniversary of January 6 Insurrection
(ST. PAUL, Minn) – Today marks the 5th anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, when a violent mob stormed the capitol in an effort to stop the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 election, leading to the conviction of more than 1,500 people who were later pardoned by President Trump.
Senator Ron Latz Supports Governor’s Executive Orders on Gun Violence Prevention
(ST. PAUL, Minn) – On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Governor Tim Walz signed two executive orders to reduce gun violence in Minnesota. The orders establish a Statewide Safety Council and will provide more data on what gun violence costs our state and improve education on safe storage.
Senator Ron Latz Statement on Proposed Agreement Between Fairview and UMP That Cuts Out University of Minnesota
(ST. PAUL, Minn) – On Wednesday it was announced an agreement had been reached between Fairview and the University of Minnesota Physician’s Group (UMP) in operations of the University of Minnesota Medical School. The announced agreement, which would cover the next 10 years, was reached without input by University of Minnesota leadership, and raises significant questions about how the school would continue its core mission.
Senator Latz and Senator Mohamed Statement on Conclusion of Senate Gun Violence Prevention Working Group Hearings
(ST. PAUL, MN.) – After the conclusion of Wednesday’s hearing of the Senate Gun Violence Prevention Working Group, co-chairs Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) and Senator Zaynab Mohamed (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement: “After two days of hearings, we are disappointed that there was a lack of consensus on the proposals that were brought forward in our working group on gun violence prevention.
Senate Gun Violence Prevention Working Group Announces Membership
(ST. PAUL, Minn.) – Co-chairs of the Senate Working Group on Gun Violence Prevention Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) and Senator Zaynab Mohamed (DFL-Minneapolis) announced the full roster of membership for the working group Wednesday. “We want to thank the members below for their commitment to earnest discussion on how the Senate moves forward in addressing and preventing gun violence in Minnesota,” saidco-chairs Sen. Latz and Sen. Mohamed.
Senator Ron Latz to Introduce Legislation Closing Ghost Gun Loophole
(ST. PAUL, Minn.) – Following a decision Wednesday by the Minnesota Supreme Court allowing Minnesotans to possess ghost guns without a serial number, Senator Ron Latz announced Thursday he will introduce legislation in the 2026 Legislative Session aligning state law with federal law and require serial numbers on ghost guns in the state. “No one could’ve foreseen a world where you could print the parts to make a gun at home, but that’s the world we live in today,” said Senator Latz.
Senator Latz Statement on Sentencing of Steven Bailey
(ST. PAUL, Minn) – On Monday, Steven Bailey was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of third-degree murder and three counts of criminal vehicular operation drunk driving, which resulted in the deaths of two people and the injury of more than a dozen others at the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park in September of 2024.
DWI Reforms Authored by Senator Ron Latz Unanimously Pass Senate
(ST. PAUL, Minn) – The Senate unanimously passed legislation in a vote of 67 to 0, authored by Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) Wednesday reforming Minnesota’s DWI policies. The legislation is in response to the tragic Park Tavern crash that occurred last September in St. Louis Park, and will help prevent repeat offenders from getting behind the wheel. “A tragedy like the one we saw last September should never happen again in any community in Minnesota.
Senator Latz Ushers Passage of Judiciary and Public Safety Budget Bill
(ST. PAUL, Minn) – The Minnesota Senate passed the Judiciary and Public Safety Budget Wednesday by a vote of 34 – 32. The bill, chief authored by Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park), focuses on protecting victims and seniors, addressing crime, supporting law enforcement and first responders. “This budget reflects our commitment to a criminal justice system that protects Minnesotans, addresses serious crimes, and supports our partners in public safety,” said Sen. Latz.
Senate and House Public Safety Leaders Urge Action on Federal Funding for Disaster Recovery, Preparedness, and Security Grant Programs
(ST. PAUL, Minn.) – Leaders in the Minnesota Legislature are urging an end to the federal government’s pause on funding several Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant programs that are being withheld from local, tribal, and state agencies, threatening the public safety of Minnesotans.
Minnesota Senate Passes Resolution Authored by Senator Ron Latz Condemning President Trump’s Pardon of January 6 Insurrectionists
Senate Resolution Calls President’s Action a Betrayal of Law Enforcement Community in Minnesota, Across the Country (ST. PAUL, Minn) – Following hours of debate in two Senate Floor sessions the Minnesota Senate passed Senate Resolution 15 Tuesday, a resolution authored by Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) condemning President Trump’s pardon of criminal participants of the January 6 insurrection. The resolution passed 34-22, with unanimous DFL support.
Legislators Announce Bipartisan Reforms to Minnesota’s DWI Policies
(ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn.) Together with workers, advocates, and family members of victims, Representative Larry Kraft and Senator Ron Latz announced a bipartisan bill to reform Minnesota’s DWI policies in a press conference Friday at the Park Tavern, the site of last year’s deadly crash. The proposal announced Friday makes changes in state law to address issues highlighted by last September’s tragic crash that resulted in the death of two people and injuries to nine others.
Senator Ron Latz Responds to Budget Forecast
(ST. PAUL, Minn.) – In a new economic forecast released Thursday by the state’s official budget office, Minnesota’s budget outlook has taken a downturn amid significant near-term economic and fiscal uncertainty due to federal policies. MMB now projects a positive balance in FY 26-27 of $456 million, $160 million lower than November’s projection, and a shortfall in FY 28-29 of $5.995 billion, $852 million worse than previous estimates.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders are Protecting Minnesotans says Chief Author Senator Ron Latz
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A recent WCCO story documented the impact of Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) legislation in Minnesota. In the first year of the law’s enaction, 140 orders were filed seeking the temporary removal of firearms from an individual who has been found by a Court to be a threat to themselves or others.
Senator Ron Latz Announces Plans for Legislation to Require Law Enforcement to Trace Firearms Used in Crimes
Today, Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Chair Ron Latz (DFL – St. Louis Park) announced plans to introduce legislation in the 2025 session to require all law enforcement agencies in Minnesota to trace firearms used in crimes and share that information with other agencies.
#lawfirms #lawyers #attorneys #legalmarketing
Ever heard of a little law called the Corporate Transparency Act? It goes into effect this month and is going to have major impacts on how legal professionals work with small business owners. Stay in the know about this major update and more crucial 2024 changes your firm needs to know about by attending our webinar, Reimagining the New Year: How to Better Navigate Legal Changes in 2024 on January 9th.
Senator Ron Latz Leads Passage of Judiciary and Public Safety Legislation
Conference Committee Report funds victims’ services, supports corrections staffing, and access to justice system. ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Wednesday, May 15, the Senate passed the Judiciary and Public Safety Budget bill, which builds on the historic investments of the 2023 session to reduce crime, support crime victims, ensure Minnesotans have fair access to the judicial system and their day in court, and support our corrections staff.
Senator Ron Latz Martin Luther King Day Statement
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) issued the following statement to recognize Martin Luther King Day. “I learned my values, principles and politics from my father, Bob Latz. African-American civil rights and labor activist Nellie Stone Johnson mentored him, as she had been mentored by my grandfather Rubin Latz, a Minneapolis labor leader and early Hubert Humphrey supporter in the restive 1930s and 1940s, during a high point of Minneapolis antisemitism.
Senator Ron Latz honored to receive the Minnesota District Judges Association President’s Award
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) is honored to announce that he has received the prestigious President’s Award from the Minnesota District Judges Association. The award recognizes his outstanding efforts in strengthening the Judicial branch.
Senator Ron Latz Responds to Statement by Senate Colleagues
Senator Ron Latz Responds to Statement by Senate Colleagues SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) has issued the following statement: “It is very surprising and disappointing that my Senate DFL colleagues- some of whom have worked with me for years and know well who I am – have chosen to misrepresent and publicly attack my speech by taking one sentence out of context on the topic of BDS’ proposal to divest state funds from Israel.
OPINION EXCHANGE | Counterpoint: DFL action on crime is historic, comprehensive
Opinion editor's note: Star Tribune Opinion publishes a mix of national and local commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here. ••• In "On crime, a long way to go and no help from the state" (Opinion Exchange, Sept. 22), it's asserted that the DFL-controlled Legislature is "missing in action" when it comes to responding to crime.
Senate Passes Judiciary and Public Safety Conference Committee Report authored by Senator Ron Latz
$880 million budget will reduce crime and includes proven gun violence prevention measures SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Senate passed a historic Judiciary and Public Safety Conference Committee Report that includes $880 million in new funding for rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, crime prevention, and broadly supported and proven gun violence prevention measures. The bill passed in a 34-33 vote.
OPINION EXCHANGE | Mental health system must be able to help those who don't know they need it
Opinion editor's note: Star Tribune Opinion publishes a mix of national and local commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here. ••• A woman with schizophrenia calls 911 but won't respond to paramedics, case managers or social workers embedded with police. So, police bust down her door. Despite pleas from her family that she hasn't eaten or taken her medication for days and is catatonic, she refuses to go with them. So, they leave. All agree she has to say she wants help.
Counterpoint: Police body camera bill in MN Senate balances privacy, accountability
Nuance is often lost in terse rhetoric, while policymaking is always more complicated. We have seen this time and again with the all-or-nothing arguments such as the one made recently by Minnesota Coalition on Government Information members Pat Doyle and Gary Hill. Their commentary “The public should have access to officers’ body cam videos” (April 7) exploited the tragic loss of life in the death of Jamar Clark to imply a false conclusion.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Ron
Contact Ron, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack