Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance criminal penalties for certain coercion crimes, particularly those that lead to severe outcomes, such as great bodily harm or death of the victim. It also plans to increase public awareness regarding these crimes.

Main Provisions

• The bill amends existing Minnesota Statutes to increase the penalties for coercion crimes that make a victim suffer great bodily harm or death.
• If a coercion crime leads to such severe consequences, the offender can be charged with a felony.
• The felony charge allows for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $30,000, or both.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The current law is extended to add stricter punishments specifically for coercion crimes that are directly linked to causing significant bodily harm or death.
• Previously, lesser degrees of punishment were applied without considering the proximate cause of serious harm.

Relevant Terms

• Coercion
• Great bodily harm
• Death
• Enhanced penalty
• Felony
• Public awareness campaign