The Minnesota Senate passed its judiciary and public safety budget bill on Thursday, April 15.
Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, said the bill prioritizes funding for domestic abuse shelters, crime victim services, emergency communications and 911 services.
A significant advancement included in the bill will close the "intoxication loophole" brought to light by a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a sexual assault conviction because the victim was voluntarily inebriated, Ingebrigtsen said.
"Senate Republicans are committed to keeping Minnesotans safe and funding our courts, law enforcement, and corrections needs," Ingebrigtsen said in a news release. "Combined with our previous reforms, this legislation ensures justice for victims while protecting all Minnesotans from bad actors."
Other notable provisions in the bill include:
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Increased penalties on child pornography, sex trafficking and solicitation of children, and child torture.
Harsher penalties for individuals selling fentanyl.
Increased probation funding to supervise and protect communities where offenders live.
Expansion of alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders.
Appropriation for the "Healthy Start Act," a temporary release program for pregnant and postpartum inmates.
