On Thursday, Senate and House Republicans introduced a bill that strengthens state criminal penalties against individuals convicted of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, judge, prosecutor, or correctional officer. The legislation Senate File 82 increases the minimum sentence from 20 years with release under supervision after two-third of the sentence is served to life incarceration with a minimum of 30 years in prison before being eligible for release.
The legislation was spurred after Officer Arik Matson, a Waseca police officer, was nearly killed in the line of duty last January.
“Every single day, thousands of law enforcement officers across Minnesota answer the call of duty and put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families and our communities,” said Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne). “Thanks to the bravery of these men and women, our state maintains a sense of law and order. Unfortunately, there are those out there that hold themselves above the law, criminals who don’t care for our protectors’ wellbeing or the impact their choices may have on our officers’ families and friends. The legislation introduced today shows that that mentality will not be tolerated, reaffirming that safety of our law enforcement remains paramount in this state.”
Waseca County Attorney Rachel Cornelius said, “After prosecuting the case for the attempted murder of Officers Arik Matson, Officer Andrew Harren and Sergeant Tim Schroeder, it was clear there was a glaring gap in our current statutes. We provided for higher penalties for the murder of police officers, but there was no similar increase in penalties for attempted murder. This legislation fixes that and gives prosecutors in Minnesota another tool in the toolbox to pursue violent criminals.”
Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Executive Director Brian Peters said, “The thousands of officers who put their lives on the line to protect their fellow citizens and enforce laws deserve to know those who would seek to harm them will face greater penalties. We ask a lot of our public safety community and their families, and this piece of legislation is a sign of the commitment we hold to those who work every day to make our communities safer.”
Megan Matson, the wife of Waseca Police Officer Arik Matson, said, “Every day gets a little easier for our family, and we appreciate the support of the community as we move along in our journey. This legislation will help make sure law enforcement members and their families will have the full support of the justice system with them when a person tries to keep that law enforcement officer from ever seeing their family again.”
Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Executive Director Jim Mortenson said, “Public safety officials face considerable danger in their day-to-day work. This proposal is a way for all of us to commit to supporting justice for those peace officers whose lives are threatened – just like Arik Matson and his bravery – as they continue to enter into dangerous situations on behalf of citizens of Minnesota.”