Crime of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle modification to add a heightened penalty for fleeing in a negligent manner

SF 758 modifies Minnesota's law on fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle by adding a new offense under section 609.487, subdivision 3a. This new provision targets drivers who flee police while operating a vehicle in a "culpably negligent manner" that creates an unreasonable risk of death or serious injury to others. It establishes a felony punishable by up to four years in prison or an $8,000 fine, distinct from existing penalties for less severe fleeing offenses. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of this specific type of reckless fleeing, with license revocation periods also adjusted to reflect this new offense level. The changes take effect August 1, 2025.