This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance penalties for the crime of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. It introduces new subdivisions that establish heightened penalties for fleeing in a culpably negligent manner and for failing to obey traffic laws while fleeing. Specifically, it adds a felony charge for those who flee a peace officer while operating a vehicle in a way that creates an unreasonable risk of causing death or great bodily harm, with potential imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, it establishes penalties for fleeing while violating specific traffic laws, with a maximum sentence of four years or a fine of up to $8,000.

The bill also modifies the revocation periods for driver's licenses in cases of fleeing offenses. It specifies that the commissioner of public safety must revoke a person's license for varying lengths of time depending on the nature of the offense, including a minimum of four years for fleeing in a culpably negligent manner. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 171.174, 609.487, 626A.35
1st Engrossment: 171.174, 609.487