Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify the criteria under which certain incarcerated individuals in Minnesota are eligible for earned incentive release credits. It aims to expand the categories of offenses that disqualify prisoners from receiving early release rewards under the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act.

Main Provisions

• The bill amends existing Minnesota statutes regarding eligibility for early release incentives.
• Ineligibility Criteria Expansion: The bill specifies that individuals serving sentences for certain severe crimes are ineligible for earned incentive release credits. These crimes include:
  • Crimes resulting in the death of a person.
  • First or second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
  • Criminal sexual conduct involving victims under 16 years of age.
  • Crimes related to child pornography or exploitation.
  • Any crime of violence where a dangerous weapon was used or possessed.
  • Any crime with a mandatory minimum sentence.

Significant Changes

• Addition of Specific Crimes: The bill adds several specific offenses to the list of those that make an individual ineligible for earned incentive release credits, clearly delineating between violent and non-violent offenses.
• Clarification and Expansion: Previously, the law did not explicitly list some of these crimes as disqualifying conditions for early release benefits, and this bill makes those specifications clear, hence tightening the criteria for eligibility and ensuring that offenders of certain severe crimes serve their full sentences.

Relevant Terms

• Public Safety
• Earned Incentive Release Credit
• Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act
• Criminal Sexual Conduct
• Child Exploitation
• Violent Crime
• Dangerous Weapon
• Mandatory Minimum Sentence