Today, Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) joined his colleagues at a press conference to introduce a legislative package aimed at putting Minnesotans’ safety first.
“Minnesotans are rightfully concerned about their safety,” Sen. Limmer said. “Recent legislative changes last year are making them even more uneasy as we face a massive early release of convicted criminals, a lack of clarity around sentencing guidelines and their enforcement, and budget proposals that eliminate police training funds. Continuing on this path is both dangerous and irresponsible.”
Repealing the ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ Law
The first bill 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, Limmer called it a “Get Out of Jail Free” card.
Bringing Transparency to Sentencing Guidelines
The second set of bills, authored by Sen. Limmer, seeks to increase transparency and accountability in Minnesota’s sentencing process. His proposals would:
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Require the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (MSGC) to record and publicly share its meetings to bring transparency to concerned citizens.
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Create a publicly searchable database of sentencing decisions statewide.
- Require legislative approval of all MSGC recommendations—especially when they institute their “authority” to lessen criminal sentences.
“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 continue $6 million in ongoing funding for the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund – identified as priority by the legislature to be sensitive to those with mental disabilities as well as to de-escalate highly dangerous police encounters, as opposed to Governor Walz’s current plan to repeal this existing commitment to local cities – and $3.5 million for the Violent Crime Enforcement Training Fund, which Sen. Limmer plans to introduce.
“We are all safer with a highly trained and skilled law enforcement force,” Limmer said. “Some of this funding was demanded by democrats several years ago, but they seem to have forgotten how important it is to stand by the needs of our local police and sheriff officers. I have not. I will continue to ensure that the men and women who put on the badge and uniform of law enforcement will be prepared and trained for any situation they may face,” Limmer concluded.
Photo: Sen. Limmer presents bill to put Minnesotans Safety First at a press conference.