Senator Weber: Senate Republicans introduce plan to put Minnesotans’ safety first

On Tuesday, February 25, Senate Republicans introduced a legislative package aimed at putting Minnesotans’ safety first. The proposal targets three critical areas of public safety: 1) addressing the early release of prisoners, 2) increasing transparency in sentencing guidelines, and 3) enhancing investment in law enforcement training.

“Ensuring public safety is one of the government’s most fundamental responsibilities,” Senator Bill Weber (R–Luverne) said. “Unfortunately, recent Democrat policies have made our state less safe. That is why Senate Republicans are putting Minnesotans’ safety first. We are committed to holding violent criminals accountable, increasing transparency in our judicial process, and supporting our law enforcement.”

Repealing the ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ Law

The first part of the public safety package focuses on 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.

This section of the public safety package includes a Republican initiative, SF 1103, that would repeal the MRRA. While Democrats have promoted the MRRA as a rehabilitation initiative, Republicans have called it a “Get Out of Jail Free” card.

 Bringing Transparency to Sentencing Guidelines

The second set of bills focuses on increasing transparency and accountability in Minnesota’s sentencing process. The proposals in this section would:

  • SF 1370 – Require the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (MSGC) to record and publicly share its meetings
  • SF 1371 – Require legislative approval of all MSGC recommendations—ensuring sentencing decisions reflect public safety priorities
  • SF 1372 – Create a publicly searchable database of sentencing decisions statewide

Investing in Law Enforcement Training

The final proposals prioritize funding for two key law enforcement training initiatives. SF 1701 would allocate $6 million in ongoing funding to the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund, a top priority for law enforcement. Meanwhile, a separate Republican proposal seeks to provide $3.5 million for the Violent Crime Enforcement Training Fund.

Despite their importance, Governor Walz has yet to fund these requests.