Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF2631

Introduced
3/6/23  

Caption

Life imprisonment without release for certain violent offenses when the offender is at least five years older that the minor victim authorization

Impact

Upon enactment, SF2631 would significantly alter the sentencing framework for violent offenders targeting minors. The bill extends the definition of 'heinous crimes' and introduces a mandatory life sentence for various offenses, reinforcing the state's commitment to safeguarding minors. This change is particularly relevant for cases involving child abuse or violent offenses committed by older individuals, thus addressing a critical public safety issue within the community.

Summary

Senate File 2631, introduced in the Minnesota Legislature, aims to impose life imprisonment without possibility of release for individuals convicted of specific violent crimes committed against victims who are minors. The bill articulates that offenders must be at least five years older than the victim, thereby intensifying penalties to deter heinous crimes involving minors. The bill suggests amendments to existing Minnesota statutes, specifically focusing on the definitions and sentencing for violent crimes such as first-degree murder and aggravated assault against minors.

Contention

The introduction of SF2631 has sparked discussions regarding its implications for justice and rehabilitation. Proponents argue for the bill's necessity in providing harsher penalties as a deterrent against crimes targeting vulnerable populations, while critics express concerns about the potential for excessively punitive measures that could hinder efforts for rehabilitation. The debate encompasses issues of age disparities in victim-offender dynamics, and whether the bill effectively addresses the root causes of violence against minors.

Companion Bills

MN HF2834

Similar To Life imprisonment without release provided for violent offenses when offender is at least five years older than minor victim.

Previously Filed As

MN HF2834

Life imprisonment without release provided for violent offenses when offender is at least five years older than minor victim.

MN SF3002

Mitigated departures provision for certain offenders who have been victims

MN SF206

Felony murder and aiding and abetting murder provisions modification, certain retroactive relief for certain aiding and abetting murder convictions authorization, and aiding and abetting felony murder task force revival

MN HF5134

Supervision of parolees limited to five years, grounds for early discharge from parole and certificate of final discharge modified, Supervised Release Board member qualifications modified, Board reappointment limited, inmates made eligible for earned release credits, Medical Release Review Board established, and life sentences eliminated.

MN HB264

Provides with respect to sentencing of juvenile offenders sentenced to life imprisonment for certain offenses

MN SF5278

Supervised and medical release provisions modifications, Supervised Released Board membership modifications, and Medical Release Review Board establishment

MN SF1325

Eligibility for release and early supervised release for certain individuals sentenced to life in prison for crimes committed while under the age of 18 establishment; Juvenile Release Board establishment

MN S0542

Reduces penalties for non-violent drug offenses and provide for terms of imprisonment of not more than 10 years for any drug offense and would repeal certain other offenses.

MN HB67

Harassment; Sex Offenders & Offenses

MN SB65

Harassment; Sex Offenders & Offenses

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