Definition of crime of violence expanded to include certain animal cruelty offenses.

HF 3696 adds specific animal cruelty offenses under Minnesota Statute 343 to the state's definition of "crime of violence." This means convictions for these designated animal cruelty crimes will now be classified as violent offenses under existing law. The change directly affects individuals convicted of these specific animal cruelty offenses, impacting how their cases are categorized in criminal records and sentencing guidelines. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 624.712, subdivision 5.