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SF2317 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Liability and vicarious liability creation for trespass to critical infrastructure

AI Generated Summary

This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 2317, aims to increase penalties and expand liability related to trespassing on or damaging critical infrastructure (such as public service facilities, utilities, or pipelines).

Key provisions include: 1. Expanded Liability for Trespassers: Individuals arrested or convicted for trespassing or damaging critical infrastructure (per Minnesota Statutes 609.594 and 609.6055) can be held financially responsible for any resulting property damage. 2. Vicarious Liability: Any person or organization that recruits, trains, aids, hires, counsels, or conspires with an individual to trespass or cause damage to critical infrastructure can also be held liable for damages caused by the trespasser.

The bill is intended to deter activities such as protests or demonstrations that involve trespassing on critical infrastructure by holding both individuals and supporting entities accountable. The bill has been referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee for further consideration.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Expands liability to include those who recruit or educate individuals in committing these trespasses."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends section 609.594 to establish vicarious liability for damages caused by trespassing on critical infrastructure.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.594",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces a crime for recruitment related to trespassing on critical infrastructure."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends section 609.6055 to address recruitment and vicarious liability relating to critical infrastructure trespassing.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.6055",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

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