ST. PAUL, MN –  The Minnesota Senate began the floor session today by recognizing Office Arik Matson, a Waseca, MN police officer who was nearly killed in the line of duty last January. 

Watch Chief Author of the “Matson Strong” bill Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) make floor comments

Watch Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) make floor comments

The Arik Matson bill strengthens state criminal penalties for individuals who are convicted of assault that causes great bodily harm to a police officer, judge, prosecutor, or correctional officer. The legislation increases the maximum sentence from 20 to 25 years for great bodily harm, and if the assault causes great bodily harm and was committed with deadly force or using a dangerous weapon, from 20 to 30 years. In either case, a perpetrator would serve a longer mandatory minimum sentence in prison.