The Minnesota Senate today passed a comprehensive public safety bill that provides critical funding to hold criminals accountable and keep Minnesota’s communities safe. This legislation focuses on supporting law enforcement, addressing growing crime rates throughout the state, and increasing transparency and accountability in prosecution decisions. There are three main objectives in the bill: provide support for law enforcement recruitment and retention; toughen penalties for criminal activity; and increase transparency and accountability in judicial and prosecutorial actions. 

Included in the bill is legislation authored by Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) that increases funding for probation and supervised release services. Minnesota currently relies on counties to provide probation services, and this bill funds these programs equally based on caseloads.

This bill also incorporates “tough on crime” bills that increase penalties for repeat offenders, carjackers, and violent crimes involving firearms. There is also enhanced support for the Violent Crime Enforcement Teams (VCET), which have been successful at targeting drugs and guns across the state. In response to the growing instances of violent criminals becoming repeat offenders and frequent decisions by prosecutors and judges to go easy on criminals, this bill takes several steps to improve transparency for the decisions that lead to early releases and failures to fully charge criminals.

“Our law enforcement officers deserve our support and gratitude for their tireless work. They put their lives on the line daily to keep our citizens safe, regardless of the various roadblocks that have come in the form of rising crime rates, anti-police rhetoric, and a lack of meaningful support. I am especially proud that my bill, which increases funding for probation services, was included. It is so important that we crack down on crime, while also focusing on key programs that prevent repeat offenses and facilitates rehabilitation. Today’s bill affirms our commitment to public safety and ensuring that all Minnesotans feel protected in their homes and communities,” said Pratt.

The legislation passed the Senate on a vote of 48-19 and now awaits action in the House.