HF1590

HF1590 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Mandatory minimum sentences established for malicious punishment of a child.

Related bill: SF2468

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.377, which concerns the malicious punishment of a child. The key changes include the establishment of mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses involving the physical abuse of a child.

Main Provisions of the Bill:

Malicious Punishment Definition (Subdivision 1)
- Defines malicious punishment as an intentional act (or series of acts) by a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker that involves unreasonable force or cruel discipline that is excessive.
Gross Misdemeanor (Subdivision 2)
- If the punishment does not result in substantial bodily harm, the offender may face up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
Enhanced Felony Penalty for Repeat Offenders (Subdivision 3)
- If the offender has a previous conviction for malicious punishment or specific violent crimes within five years, the offense is enhanced to a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of one year and a maximum of five years in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000.
Felony for Punishment of a Child Under Age Four (Subdivision 4)
- If the punishment results in bodily harm to the child's head, eyes, neck, or multiple bruises, the offender must serve a mandatory minimum sentence of one year, with a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Felony for Substantial Bodily Harm (Subdivision 5)
- If the punishment results in substantial bodily harm, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of one year, with a maximum of five years, and a fine of up to $10,000.
Felony for Great Bodily Harm (Subdivision 6)
- If the punishment results in great bodily harm, the offender faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years, up to ten years in prison, and a fine of up to $20,000.

Key Takeaways:

This bill enforces mandatory minimum sentences for felony child abuse offenses.
It enhances penalties for repeat offenders and those who harm children under the age of four.
The law distinguishes between levels of harm (substantial vs. great bodily harm) and assigns harsher penalties accordingly.

The bill is currently referred to the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy for further deliberation.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 25, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Public Safety Finance and Policy
March 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Authors added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the penalties and conditions under section 609.377 for malicious punishment of a child.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies felony crimes related to malicious punishment of a child under various conditions.",
        "Specifies imprisonment terms more clearly for different levels of bodily harm."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.377"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the context of prior convictions that enhance penalties under section 609.377.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.221"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the context of prior convictions that enhance penalties under section 609.377.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.2231"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the context of prior convictions that enhance penalties under section 609.377.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.224"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the context of prior convictions that enhance penalties under section 609.377.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.2242"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the context of prior convictions that enhance penalties under section 609.377.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.342"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the context of prior convictions that enhance penalties under section 609.377.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.345"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the context of prior convictions that enhance penalties under section 609.377.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.713"
  }
]