Criminal penalties provision for bribing or corruptly influencing a juror

This bill creates new criminal penalties for bribing or corruptly influencing jurors in Minnesota courts. It directly affects individuals who attempt to sway a juror's vote or position through offers of benefits or rewards, as well as jurors who accept such offers. The law defines two main offenses: offering or promising a benefit to influence a juror, and a juror requesting or accepting a benefit to influence their decision. Both acts are classified as felonies punishable by up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. Additionally, the bill amends an existing statute to increase the penalty for corruptly influencing a juror to match the new bribery provisions, raising the maximum sentence from five years to ten years and the fine from $10,000 to $20,000. These changes will take effect on August 1, 2026.