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SF2468 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Mandatory minimum sentences for the malicious punishment of a child establishment provision

Related bill: HF1590

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to enhance the consequences for the malicious punishment of a child in Minnesota. It aims to establish mandatory minimum sentences for individuals found guilty of certain levels of child abuse, promoting stricter penalties for severe offenses.

Main Provisions

  • Definition of Offense: The bill targets parents, legal guardians, or caretakers who use unreasonable force or cruel discipline on a child, resulting in punishment that is deemed excessive or beyond what might be considered acceptable in the circumstances.

  • Gross Misdemeanor: If the punishment inflicted results in less than substantial bodily harm, the offender can face up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000.

  • Felony Enhancements:

    • Repeat Offenders: If the offense occurs within five years of a previous related conviction, it is elevated to a felony, punishable by a minimum of one year and up to five years of imprisonment, and/or a fine up to $10,000.
    • Victims under Age Four: If the victim is under four years old and suffers bodily harm affecting sensitive areas such as the head, eyes, or neck, or multiple bruises, the offense is classified as a felony with similar sentencing.
    • Substantial Bodily Harm: Offenses resulting in substantial bodily harm can lead to felony charges, with penalties extending to five years imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000.
    • Great Bodily Harm: Severe offenses causing great bodily harm are punishable by two to ten years of imprisonment and/or fines up to $20,000.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends current Minnesota statutes by specifying mandatory minimum sentences for different degrees of offenses under the malicious punishment of a child. It clarifies the escalation of penalties based on the severity of the harm and the age of the victim, as well as repeat offenses.

Relevant Terms

  • Malicious punishment
  • Unreasonable force
  • Cruel discipline
  • Bodily harm
  • Gross misdemeanor
  • Felony
  • Substantial bodily harm
  • Great bodily harm

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Establishes felony penalties for punishments resulting in substantial bodily harm or involving children under four."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the penalties associated with malicious punishment of a child under section 609.377.",
      "modified": [
        "Mandatory minimum sentences introduced for different degrees of bodily harm."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.377"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to assault convictions that can enhance charges under amended statute.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.221"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to fourth-degree assault convictions enhancing penalties.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.2231"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to fifth-degree assault convictions that impact enhancements.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.224"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Domestic assault references affecting penalty enhancements.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.2242"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to criminal sexual conduct in the first degree for prior convictions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.342"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References criminal sexual conduct in the third degree as enhancing prior offense.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.345"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to terroristic threats enhancing penalties.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.713"
  }
]

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