Today, Senate Republicans held a press conference to introduce their legislative package aimed at putting Minnesotans’ safety first.
“We all know that crime—no matter what the statistics say—is making people feel less safe,” said Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks). “Whether it’s a Ring camera catching a robbery and carjacking on your street, the tragic attacks on law enforcement and first responders, or a victim learning that their attacker is being released early for ‘good behavior,’ Democrats have made Minnesota less safe. And it’s especially dangerous for those who put on the badge and uniform every day. That’s why we’re taking action—keeping criminals in prison, bringing transparency to sentencing guidelines, and supporting law enforcement.”
Repealing the ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ Law
The first set of bills targets the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act (MRRA)—a 2023 law passed on a party-line vote that makes 92% of the prison population eligible for early release. While Democrats promoted it as a rehabilitation initiative, Republicans have called it a “Get Out of Jail Free” card.
Sen. Michael Kreun (R-Blaine), author of the bill to repeal the MRRA, shared how Minnesotans have reacted to the law. “Most people I talk to are shocked to learn that Minnesota didn’t already require rehabilitation for prisoners before allowing early release. They assume it’s earned—but in reality, it’s automatic for most crimes,” Kreun said.
Kreun noted that while Republicans support some compromises to allow rehabilitation for certain offenders, the MRRA’s blanket approach went too far. “Repealing the MRRA and finding bipartisan compromise is how we tell Minnesotans we are putting their safety first,” he concluded.
Bringing Transparency to Sentencing Guidelines
The second set of bills, authored by Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), seeks to increase transparency and accountability in Minnesota’s sentencing process. His proposals would:
- Require the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (MSGC) to record and publicly share its meetings.
- Create a publicly searchable database of sentencing decisions statewide.
- Require legislative approval of all MSGC recommendations—ensuring sentencing decisions reflect public safety priorities.
“We have far too many instances where those who have been convicted of a crime are receiving a light sentence, then turned loose, and continue to victimize innocent people,” Sen. Limmer said. “These examples frustrate and scare the public, while demoralizing Law Enforcement. Every government official has a part to play in putting Minnesotans safety first, and these bills will create much needed transparency and accountability for the public to follow.”
Investing in Law Enforcement Training
The final proposals focus on funding two major law enforcement training initiatives. Two bills allocate $6 million in ongoing funding for the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund – identified as priority by law enforcement – and $3.5 million for the Violent Crime Enforcement Training Fund.
Despite their importance, Governor Walz has yet to fund these requests.
“The number one thing we hear from law enforcement officers in Minnesota is that some political and elected officials don’t support them and their loved ones,” Sen. Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville) said. “While we can’t stop the extreme and politically motivated narratives perpetuated by some, we can push back with the truth. During a time in which the pendulum is swinging back toward common sense, we can begin to undo the harm caused by those who irresponsibly called for the defunding and dismantling of police departments.”