This bill aims to enhance public safety by increasing penalties for certain crimes committed after unlawful reentry into the United States or for the benefit of a transnational crime organization. It introduces new legal language under Minnesota Statutes, specifically section 609.1097, which defines "removal" and establishes that individuals who commit felonies after being deported or removed from the U.S. may face significantly longer sentences. The maximum sentence for such crimes will be five years longer than the underlying crime, or ten years longer if the victim is a child under 18. This section will take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.229, to clarify the definition of a "transnational crime organization" and to include it in the context of crimes committed for the benefit of such organizations. The amendments specify that a transnational crime organization is involved in the international trafficking of drugs, humans, or weapons. The effective date for these amendments is also set for August 1, 2025, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.229