This bill aims to enhance public safety by modifying the legal framework surrounding the crime of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. It introduces heightened penalties for fleeing in a culpably negligent manner, establishing new offenses for fleeing while failing to obey traffic laws. Specifically, the bill adds new subdivisions to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.487, which include penalties for fleeing in a culpably negligent manner (subdivision 3a) and for failing to obey traffic signs while fleeing (subdivision 3b). The penalties for these offenses can include imprisonment and fines, with specific durations and amounts outlined in the bill.

Additionally, the bill amends section 171.174 to specify the revocation periods for driver's licenses based on the severity of the fleeing offenses, including new provisions for the newly established subdivisions. It also allows for the expanded use of tracking devices on fleeing motor vehicles, as detailed in section 626A.35. All new provisions and amendments are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 171.174, 609.487, 626A.35