ST. PAUL, MN –  The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission met today and discussed briefly the proposal that could lead to reduced sentences for repeat offenders if the offender commits a crime while on probation. The proposed change has been an issue of contention for nearly a year, receiving significant public pushback. The MSGC decided not to take action on the change until the next meeting, currently scheduled for November 3, 2022.  

Senate Public Safety & Judiciary Committee Chair Warren Limmer (R- Maple Grove) released the following statement after the meeting adjourned without a decision on the proposed change:

“Today is just more proof the Walz administration has failed to do what it takes to keep us safe. They proposed reducing sentences for repeat offenders in December and received significant pushback from the public. They discussed it again in July but have yet to make a decision – leaving the possibility of adopting this change to reduce sentences right before the election and avoiding political accountability for that decision.” 

“The Senate will continue to hold Walz’s appointees accountable. If they decide to reduce penalties, we will move forward with legislation reversing this decision and reversing their previous action to cap probation at 5 years. Senate Republicans will not give up ground for soft on crime proposals that put the public in danger.”