The Minnesota Senate passed the Judiciary and Public Safety budget, providing the constitutionally required and critical funding to keep Minnesotans safe. This budget focuses on safety, providing justice to victims of crimes, and providing law enforcement, judiciary, and correctional officers the support they need to do their job.
“This budget places support and protections around the Minnesotans who risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe,” Senator Julia Coleman (R-Chanhassen) said Tuesday. “Instead of supporting the radical movement to defund the police, we found compromises that will bring meaningful changes to the law, set appropriate penalties for violent crimes, and most importantly, keep Minnesotans safe in their homes, streets, and communities.”
Minnesota statute is amended through this bill to close the “voluntary intoxication loophole,” giving sexual assault survivors the full support of the criminal justice system regardless of sobriety. This issue was brought to light by a Supreme Court case this past spring and Senator Coleman loudly advocated for a change to statute, benefiting the victim as opposed to letting the law benefit the criminal. This budget prioritizes the needs of victims to get the justice they deserve by increasing penalties for heinous crimes, provides investigative resources for crimes in the National Guard, and changes statutes that prioritize the criminal over the victim. Senator Coleman advocated for this change, highlighting how important it is to put the victim first.
Also included in this bill is a provision introduced by Senator Coleman requiring an ignition interlock system for all repeat DWI offenders. The ignition interlock system requires proof that the driver is not under the influence of alcohol before the vehicle will start. Keeping those who drive under the influence repeatedly off the road is crucial to ensuring the safety of others on the road.
“Since first stepping on the campaign trail, I have promised to advocate and fight for law and order; this budget shows promises that were made have been fulfilled. I will continue to fulfill these promises as long as I am in St. Paul representing you.” Senator Coleman said.
Other Key Provisions Include:
- Matson Strong: Stiffens penalties for the attempted murder of a public safety official
- Travis’s Law: Requires 911 operators to include social service crisis teams for mental health calls
- Matthew’s Law: Increases safety protections for confidential informants
- Hometown Heroes: Financial support, training, and resources for firefighters
- Tightening cases where no-knock warrants may be used
- Provides increased support for body cameras for law enforcement agencies
- Database improvements to track officer conduct through the Police Officer Standards and Training Board.
- Department of Corrections requirement to provide identification cards and information on how to access public services and prevent homelessness, when releasing convicts at the end of their prison sentence