SF2468 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Mandatory minimum sentences for the malicious punishment of a child establishment provision

Related bill: HF1590

AI Generated Summary

The bill S.F. No. 2468 amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.377, to establish mandatory minimum sentences for the malicious punishment of a child. It defines the offense as intentionally using unreasonable force or cruel discipline that is excessive under the circumstances.

Key provisions include:

  1. Gross Misdemeanor – If the punishment does not result in substantial bodily harm, the offender faces up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $3,000, or both.

  2. Felony Enhancements:

    • If the offense occurs within five years of a prior conviction for certain violent crimes, the offender must serve a sentence of at least one year, up to five years, and may face a fine of up to $10,000.
    • If the victim is a child under four years old, and suffers harm to the head, eyes, or neck, or multiple body bruises, the minimum sentence is one year (up to five years) with a possible fine of $10,000.
    • If the punishment causes substantial bodily harm, the offender receives a mandatory minimum sentence of one year, up to five years, with a fine of up to $10,000.
    • If the punishment results in great bodily harm, the offender faces a minimum of two years, up to ten years, with a fine up to $20,000.

The bill enforces stricter sentencing requirements for child abuse offenses in Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Establishes mandatory minimum sentences for certain categories of punishment."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends penalties for the malicious punishment of a child under section 609.377.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes the range of imprisonment for various felony levels relating to bodily harm."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.377",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is cited in relation to enhancements to a felony under subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides cross-references for repeat offenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.221",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is cited in relation to enhancements to a felony under subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides cross-references for repeat offenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.2231",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is cited in relation to enhancements to a felony under subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides cross-references for repeat offenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.224",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is cited in relation to enhancements to a felony under subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides cross-references for repeat offenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.2242",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is cited in relation to enhancements to a felony under subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides cross-references for repeat offenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.342",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is cited in relation to enhancements to a felony under subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides cross-references for repeat offenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.345",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is cited in relation to enhancements to a felony under subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides cross-references for repeat offenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.713",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]