Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1373

Introduced

2/13/25

Refer

2/13/25

Refer

4/3/25

Caption

Driver's license suspension expansion to include all cases where a person is believed to have committed vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation; peace officer reporting in all cases where a person is believed to have committed criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation

Impact

If enacted, SF1373 will specifically impact the regulatory landscape surrounding driver's license suspensions in Minnesota. The amendments to Minnesota Statutes will ensure that all cases involving suspected criminal vehicular actions are addressed more stringently. The effective date of the new provisions is set for August 1, 2025, indicating that there is a phased approach to implementing these changes. This timeline provides an opportunity for public education regarding new guidelines and for law enforcement training on reporting protocols.

Summary

SF1373 seeks to amend existing Minnesota laws concerning driver's license suspensions following criminal activities related to vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation. The bill mandates that if a peace officer determines there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed such offenses, their driver's license must be suspended. The legislation places significant emphasis on reporting by peace officers, requiring them to inform the commissioner of public safety whenever they establish probable cause related to these serious offenses.

Conclusion

Overall, SF1373 represents a significant shift in how Minnesota addresses vehicular crimes, expanding the scope of license suspensions and reinforcing the role of law enforcement in these processes. As discussions progress, it will be crucial to balance the intent of enhancing public safety with the need to protect individual rights.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill is expected to concentrate on issues of justice and public safety. Supporters are likely to argue that the bill will enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals who potentially commit serious vehicular crimes are promptly identified and prevented from operating vehicles while their cases are being assessed. Critics may contend that these measures could lead to potential overreach, imposing suspensions based on mere accusations that have not yet resulted in a conviction. There may also be concerns regarding the fairness of automatically suspending licenses without due process and the implications this enforcement could have on individuals' ability to engage in daily activities.

Latest SF1373 Activity

Companion Bills

MN HF750

Similar To Driver's license suspensions expanded to include all cases where a person is believed to have committed criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation, and peace officers required to report all cases where a person is believed to have committed vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation.

Previously Filed As

MN SF5488

Driver's licenses suspensions to include all cases where a person is believed to have committed criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation expansion provision and peace officers reporting all cases where a person is believed to have committed criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation

MN SF5489

Driver's licenses suspensions to include all cases where a person is believed to have committed criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation expansion provision, driving in excess of certain speeds as an element in criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation offenses, and requiring peace officers reporting all cases where a person is believed to have committed criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation

MN HF5412

Driver's license suspensions expanded to include all cases where a person is believed to have committed criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation, and peace officers required to report all cases of offenses.

MN HF5411

Driver's license suspensions expanded to include all cases where a person is believed to have committed criminal vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation, driving in excess of certain speeds established as element of offenses, and peace officers required to report all cases of offenses.

MN SF4066

Criminal vehicular operation addition to list of offenses requiring a one-year waiting period for a limited driver's license

MN HF4368

Criminal vehicular operation added to list of offenses requiring one-year waiting period for limited driver's license, requirement that invalidated licenses be physically clipped removed, and two-wheeled vehicle endorsements renamed to motorcycle endorsements.

MN HF538

Peace officers prohibited from joining or supporting hate or extremist groups or criminal gangs; and revocation, suspension, or denial of peace officer license provided for hate or extremist group or criminal gang activity.

MN HF3554

Aggravated first-degree witness tampering included in definitions of violent crime and crimes against a person.

MN SF4950

Ignition interlock program participation requirement limitation for individuals whose driver's license is revoked, canceled or denied for an incident involving alcohol and establishing an intensive testing program for those whose driver's license is revoked, canceled, or denied for an incident involving a controlled substance or an intoxicating substance

MN HF3697

Requirement to participate in ignition interlock program limited to individuals whose driver's license is revoked, canceled, or denied for an incident involving alcohol; intensive testing program established for individuals whose license was revoked, canceled, or denied for a controlled substance or intoxicating substance related incident.