The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission today decided to postpone voting on an unpopular proposal to reduce criminal penalties for offenders who commit crimes while on probation. The proposal had drawn criticism from law enforcement groups, legislators, and Minnesotans. More than 3,500 public comments were submitted on the proposal, with 95% (3,353) in opposition. 

Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) issued the following statement:

“People are growing more and more worried about violent crime spikes. I hear about it almost daily. The commission shouldn’t postpone the vote to reduce criminal penalties on repeat offenders; they need to bring it up, vote it down, and show the people of Minnesota that our priority is protecting them from criminals.”