HF332

Purpose

This bill aims to modify the crime of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle by adding a heightened penalty when the fleeing is done in a culpably negligent manner. It also creates new consequences related to driving privileges for people convicted of fleeing offenses.

Main provisions

• License revocation tied to fleeing offenses:

  • The commissioner of public safety must revoke a person’s driver’s license when there is a certificate of conviction showing a violation of 609.487 subdivision 3, subdivision 3a, or subdivision 4 (or a local ordinance that mirrors these provisions) in connection with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

• Minimum revocation lengths (based on specific offenses and prior history):

  • First offense under 609.487 subdivision 3: at least 1 year revocation.
  • Second or subsequent offense under 609.487 subdivision 3: at least 3 years.
  • Offense under 609.487 subdivision 3a: at least 4 years.
  • Offense under 609.487 subdivision 4, clause a: at least 10 years.
  • Offense under 609.487 subdivision 4, clause b: at least 7 years.
  • Offense under 609.487 subdivision 4, clause c: at least 5 years.

• Limited license rules:

  • A limited license issued under section 171.30 cannot be granted for half of the applicable revocation period.
  • After half of the revocation period has passed, a limited license may be issued only if the adjudicating court recommends it.

How it changes existing law

• Establishes formal, mandatory license revocation for convictions related to fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, linking driving privileges directly to convictions.
• Creates a structured, tiered system of minimum revocation periods depending on the specific fleeing offense and whether it is a first or subsequent offense.
• Adds restrictions around when a temporary or limited driving license can be issued during the revocation period, requiring court involvement after half the period.

Significant changes to consider

• Shifts driving privilege consequences from discretionary or case-by-case decisions to a statutory, minimum-revocation framework tied to specific fleeing offenses.
• Introduces a clear, long-term impact on driving privileges for offenders, with longer revocation periods for more serious offenses and repeat offenses.
• Requires court involvement for any limited license after half the revocation period, potentially limiting early return to driving after a conviction.

Key terms from the bill (for context)

• Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle
• 609.487 subdivisions 3, 3a, 4
• Commissioner of public safety
• Certificate of conviction
• Revocation of license
• Limited license (section 171.30)
• Adjudicating court
• Ordinance conforming to subdivisions
• Culpably negligent manner

Relevant Terms - fleeing a peace officer - motor vehicle - 609.487 subdivision 3 - 609.487 subdivision 3a - 609.487 subdivision 4 - certificate of conviction - revocation - driver’s license - commissioner of public safety - limited license - section 171.30 - adjudicating court - ordinance