On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate passed its Judiciary and Public Safety budget bill prioritizing funding for domestic abuse shelters, crime victim services, emergency communications, and 911 services.

A significant advancement included in the bill will close the “intoxication loophole” brought to light by a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a sexual assault conviction because the victim was voluntarily inebriated. The Senate has consistently supported and created stronger laws to combat sexual assault and to bring awareness to victims of sexual assault.  

“Senate Republicans are committed to keeping Minnesotans safe and fully funding our public safety institutions,” Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) said. “This bill provides justice to victims and protects Minnesotans. I understand that Minnesota is in the spotlight. Last summer we passed several major reforms to police accountability, and we will look at additional reforms this session. It’s vitally important we keep the budget process moving forward with this bill.” 

Notable provisions include: 

• Increased penalties on child pornography, sex trafficking and solicitation of children, and child torture
• Harsher penalties for individuals selling fentanyl
• Increased probation funding to supervise and protect communities where offenders live
• Expansion of alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders
• Appropriation for the “Healthy Start Act,” a temporary release program for pregnant and postpartum inmates