SF1374

SF1374 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Minimum fines and penalty enhancement for violations of driving without a valid license authorization

Related bill: HF341

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 1374 is a legislative bill proposed in Minnesota that seeks to modify existing laws related to driving without a valid driver's license. Specifically, the bill aims to enhance the penalties and establish minimum fines for those who repeatedly violate the law by driving after their driver's license has been suspended, revoked, canceled, or if they've been disqualified from holding a commercial driver's license.

The bill outlines that: 1. Driving after a license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or after being disqualified from holding a commercial driver's license, is considered a misdemeanor. 2. There are heightened penalties making it a gross misdemeanor if the individual: - Drives without a license and this leads to a serious accident causing substantial bodily harm or death. - Has repeated offenses (two prior convictions in ten years) under the same circumstances.

The bill also clarifies that: - Prosecutors responsible for misdemeanor cases will handle gross misdemeanor violations as well. - Legal notifications of license suspension or disqualification are considered valid if served personally, mailed to the last known address, or delivered under the conditions previously informed to the individual (such as anticipated suspension following specific violations).

This legislative measure is aimed at reducing the risks posed by drivers who repeatedly ignore the laws concerning the status of their driving privileges and to ensure that repeat offenders face stricter consequences.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 12, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 12, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Judiciary and Public Safety
February 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author added
March 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author stricken
March 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author stricken
	Senate	Note	Action	HF substituted in committee

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Gross misdemeanor penalties for certain repeat offenses."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None noted in the provided text."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends section 171.24 of the Minnesota Statutes to enhance penalties and establish minimum fines related to driving without a valid license.",
      "modified": [
        "Enhanced penalties and established minimum fines for repeated offenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.24"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Reference to cancellation or denial under section 171.04 for gross misdemeanor violations."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None noted in the provided text."
      ],
      "summary": "Section 171.04 specifies conditions under which a driver's license can be canceled or denied.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on gross misdemeanor conditions related to license status under this section."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.04"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Collisions causing substantial bodily harm are relevant for gross misdemeanor charges."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None noted in the provided text."
      ],
      "summary": "Section 609.02 provides definitions used within the context of Minnesota's criminal code, including terms like 'substantial bodily harm'.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified impact of having a collision resulting in substantial bodily harm under existing laws."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.02"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion as part of conditions for gross misdemeanor related to driving offenses."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None noted in the provided text."
      ],
      "summary": "Section 169.89 pertains to general traffic regulations within Minnesota statutes.",
      "modified": [
        "Used as a reference point for gross misdemeanor listing."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.89"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Driving-related incidents causing death as a consideration for gross misdemeanor."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None noted in the provided text."
      ],
      "summary": "Section 609.19 discusses third-degree murder charges.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified as an instance of liability for driving-related offenses causing harm or death."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.19"
  }
]