On Thursday, March 9, legislators presented their Safe & Sound Minnesota public safety plan to confront the threat of violent and repeat criminals, strengthen police and improve training for law enforcement, and hold judges and prosecutors accountable with public data and information.

“Communities across our state continue to experience a dangerous surge in crimes that pose a significant risk to the public,” Senator Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) said. “Far too often, violent criminals are let off lightly by prosecutors and not held accountable for their crimes. We need to put into law that Minnesota is against criminal activity, and if a crime is committed, there will be strong consequences.”

The package includes 17 different bills from 15 different legislators across the state, including:

• Addressing overdose deaths involving fentanyl-laced illegal drugs by establishing the same weight thresholds and penalties for the sale or possession of fentanyl as currently apply to heroin. SF 2138 / HF 615 and SF 2659 
• Rape Kit processing SF 1249 / HF 127
• Grants to Ramsey County Sheriff for coordinating violent crime prevention and State Patrol for air patrol. HF 261
•  Incorporating mandatory sentencing in current law for dangerous criminals who commit crimes with a firearm. SF 1059 / HF 1417
• Creating a new crime of carjacking with increased penalties for carjacking. SF 2028 / HF 478

Click here to view the full bills that make up the Safe & Sound Minnesota plan.