Sen. Warren Limmer

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission to record all meetings (audio and visual) and make those recordings publicly available on its website or via a posted link. It directly affects the Commission, which must implement this recording and posting requirement, and the public, who gains access to meeting discussions. The bill amends existing law to add this transparency measure, while existing rules still govern when legislative approval is needed for sentencing guideline changes. The Commission must also continue submitting annual written reports to relevant legislative committees about guideline modifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to allow the commissioner of corrections to revoke earned incentive credits under the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act. Previously, these credits (which reduce prison time by up to 17% of a sentence) were nonrevocable. Now, credits can be revoked if an incarcerated person violates facility rules or commits a new criminal act while in custody. The change directly affects people serving sentences in Minnesota prisons who earn these credits. It modifies the existing policy to permit revocation for specific violations, rather than making credits permanently nonrevocable.

Maddy summarySF 1330 requires that if an inmate in a county jail or similar local facility assaults a sheriff or deputy, the new sentence for the assault must run consecutively to any prior sentence. This means the person cannot have time served for earlier offenses counted toward the new assault sentence and must serve the full consecutive term in a state facility. The bill directly affects inmates in local correctional facilities who commit assaults against law enforcement officers, changing their sentencing rules under Minnesota Statutes 609.2232. It applies to assaults committed on or after August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 1365 expands the list of offenses that disqualify inmates from earning "earned incentive release credit" - a program allowing eligible prisoners to reduce sentences through good behavior or rehabilitation participation. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 244.45 to add specific crimes - including certain violent offenses (like first-degree murder), sexual crimes with force, gang-related convictions, and firearm-related crimes - to the existing exclusion list. This change directly affects inmates convicted of these newly specified offenses, barring them from qualifying for the credit. The policy adjustment modifies eligibility criteria without altering the core structure of the sentencing program.

Maddy summarySF 1367 enhances penalties for arson when the act targets a political organization or is motivated by political purpose. It adds specific circumstances to Minnesota's arson statutes (sections 609.561, 609.563, 609.5631, and 609.5632) that trigger higher sentences, including for arson committed against buildings housing political groups, property owned by such groups, or acts intended to make a political statement. The bill increases maximum penalties, such as up to 25 years in prison for first-degree arson against political organizations, and applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025. It directly affects individuals convicted of arson under these politically motivated circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires voters in Minnesota to present a photo identification card to register to vote and to cast a ballot, while also establishing a new state-issued voter identification card program. The legislation creates a free voter ID card system where applicants can obtain a certified vital record without fees, and it mandates that the state provide absentee ballots to program participants without requiring them to submit a separate application each election cycle. Additionally, the bill establishes a children's abuse prevention trust fund and includes reporting requirements for vital record requests related to voter ID cards.

Maddy summarySF 1364 increases criminal penalties for embezzling public funds in Minnesota based on the amount stolen. It directly affects individuals who embezzle public money, such as government employees or officials. The bill raises maximum sentences: for embezzlement between $2,500 and $100,000, the penalty increases to 10 years in prison (up from prior levels), and for amounts over $100,000, it increases to 20 years. The law takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 1282 would require mandatory minimum fines for street racing violations in Minnesota. It directly affects drivers convicted of street racing (operating vehicles to compare speeds on public roads), setting specific fines: $300 for first offenses, $550 for repeat violations within ten years, and $850 for two or more prior violations within ten years. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.13 to establish these fixed penalty amounts, replacing previous discretion for judges in setting fines for this offense. The law would take effect August 1, 2025, applying to violations occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1369 requires county attorneys to document specific details when dismissing criminal charges, including the defendant's name, offense date, dismissed charges, victim support status (if applicable), and the dismissal reason. County attorneys must report this information to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission and post it on their publicly accessible websites, excluding victim identifying information. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add these requirements, effective August 1, 2025, for dismissals occurring on or after that date. This aims to increase transparency around charge dismissals by making data available to the public and legislature through the Commission's annual report.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1372 requires the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission to create and maintain a public website with a searchable database of criminal sentencing information. The database must include details like case numbers, defendant names, offense types, sentence lengths (both executed and stayed), judicial district, and whether sentences deviated from sentencing guidelines, all drawn from court records. It mandates specific search capabilities (e.g., filtering by offense type or judge) and allows users to sort, group, and download the data. The bill appropriates funding for this database's development and maintenance, directly affecting the Commission and providing the public with greater transparency into sentencing outcomes.