In hopes of addressing what they say are escalating crime rates across the state, Minnesota House Republicans have unveiled a comprehensive proposal that equips law enforcement with the tools they need, ensures violent offenders are held accountable and increases transparency in the criminal justice system.
In a press release, District 21B Rep. Marj Fogelman supported the plan. The Fulda Republican said: “For far too long, prominent citizens and lawmakers have been allowed to turn law enforcement into the bad guys. We need to start giving police our support, and we need to approve policies that keep criminals locked up."
To address criminal behavior, Fogelman said the plan includes mandatory minimum 10-year sentences for predators engaged in first-degree sex trafficking; predatory offender registration for offenders engaged in criminal sexual conduct who receive a stayed sentence from the courts; new and enhanced criminal offenses including blocking a freeway, highway, transit, or the road to and from the airport; and increased penalties for fleeing a police officer in a reckless manner, and assaulting someone from law enforcement. Individuals who conspire to trespass on or damage critical infrastructure such as pipelines, utility lines and water lines would also see strengthened penalties.
The proposal would also give better access to the public on prosecutors’ charging and dismissal decisions, and court sentencing departures. It would also provide additional transparency to the practices of some criminal justice organizations that far too often provide a revolving door that puts criminals back onto the street without any public scrutiny. the press release said.
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