St. Paul – On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate passed the Judiciary and Public Safety budget bill to prioritize the funding of programs for domestic abuse shelters, crime victim services, emergency communications and 911 services.

A major advancement included in the bill is Senator David Senjem’s (R-Rochester) Senate File 1683, that 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. Senator Senjem has led the way as the Senate has consistently supported and created stronger laws to combat sexual assault and to bring awareness to victims of sexual assault. 

“We need to stand with the survivors of sexual assault during this turbulent time. The law should never be on the offender’s side and we must give survivors the justice they deserve,” said Senjem. “This bipartisan bill helps to protect our most vulnerable by prioritizing safety for all Minnesotans.”

Highlights 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

The legislature is committed to ensuring Minnesota’s constitutionally required public safety responsibilities are met through a robust Judiciary budget. In the 2020 Special Session, Senate Republicans passed a widely supported, bipartisan package of common-sense reforms for Minnesota law enforcement. That legislation included a chokehold ban, duty to intervene, training on crisis response and flexibility, and many other reforms to ensure the safety of our officers and Minnesotans.