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SF 967

Criminal penalties for crimes committed because of the victim's political affiliation or beliefs modification

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Howe

The bill enhances penalties for crimes motivated by the victim’s political affiliation or beliefs.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
#crimesandcriminals #publicsafetyandpublicsafetydepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 967

SF 967 Summary (2025)

Overview

SF 967 would modify Minnesota criminal law to address crimes committed because of the victim’s political affiliation or beliefs. The bill appears to focus on adding or altering criminal penalties to respond to offenses motivated by political attributes. It is part of the 94th Legislature (2025-2026) and has been introduced on February 3, 2025. The bill has been referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committees. A companion measure exists in the House, HF 908.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim, as indicated by the title, is to enhance or modify criminal penalties for crimes motivated by the victim’s political affiliation or beliefs.
  • The bill signals an effort to provide stronger protection against offenses where political attributes are the motivating factor, aligning with other bias- or hate-m crime strategies (though the exact mechanisms are defined in the bill’s text).

Key Provisions (What the bill would do)

Note: The exact language and specifics will be in the enacted bill text. Based on the title and summary information, the bill would:
- Establish or modify penalties for crimes that are committed because of the victim’s political affiliation or beliefs.
- Potentially create aggravating factors or enhanced penalties when motive relates to political affiliation or beliefs.
- Include definitions clarifying what constitutes “political affiliation” or “political beliefs” for purposes of the statute.
- Apply to applicable criminal offenses as defined by the bill or by cross-referenced statutes.
- Require, in some form, consideration of motive related to political attributes within charging, sentencing, or adjudicatory processes (subject to the bill’s precise provisions).

(Exact provisions, definitions, statutory cross-references, and penalty levels will be specified in the full text.)

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Victims: Individuals targeted due to their political affiliation or beliefs would receive enhanced protections or remedies under the statute.
  • Defendants: Persons charged with qualifying crimes could face enhanced penalties or new aggravating factors.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutorial offices: Procedures and charging practices may adapt to reflect motive-based penalties.
  • Courts and correctional system: Sentencing guidelines and potential confinement or fines could be affected.
  • Legislative staff and policymakers: The bill would influence statutory standards for bias-mite crimes and related public safety policy.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction date: February 3, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (two committees for consideration at the state level).
  • Legislative session: 94th Legislature (2025-2026).
  • Related bill: HF 908 (House companion).

Relationship to Related Bills

  • HF 908 is the companion measure in the House. If SF 967 advances, HF 908 may move in tandem or be paired with the Senate version for conference or parallel passage.

Next Steps

  • Review the full bill text to confirm definitions, penalty ranges, enforcement mechanisms, and any sunset or reporting provisions.
  • Monitor committee hearings and amendments in Judiciary and Public Safety.
  • Compare SF 967 with HF 908 to understand alignment or discrepancies between the Senate and House proposals.

Note: This summary is based on the information provided. For precise definitions, penalties, and procedural details, the full bill text and fiscal notes should be consulted once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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