SF281

Senate File No. 281 is a legislative bill that seeks to enhance criminal penalties related to coercion crimes in the state of Minnesota, particularly when such crimes result in significant harm or death to the victim. The bill amends an existing law by increasing the severity of penalties based on the financial impact of the crime and its consequences. Specifically, the bill outlines the following changes:

1. If the crime of coercion results in a financial impact (either gain to the perpetrator or loss to the victim) of less than $300, the penalty remains imprisonment for up to 90 days or a fine up to $1,000, or both.
2. If the financial impact is between $300 and $2,500, the penalty increases to imprisonment for up to five years or a fine up to $10,000, or both.
3. If the financial impact exceeds $2,500, the penalty further increases to imprisonment for up to ten years or a fine up to $20,000, or both.
4. If the act of coercion directly leads to the victim experiencing severe bodily injury or death, it is classified as a felony. The perpetrator can then be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison or fined up to $30,000, or both.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a public awareness campaign to educate people about the gravity and consequences of engaging in coercion crimes.