This bill establishes a new crime related to public safety, specifically addressing the act of fleeing from a peace officer in a motor vehicle. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.487, by adding a subdivision that defines the offense of fleeing a peace officer while failing to obey certain traffic laws. The new legal language specifies that individuals who flee from a peace officer, knowing or reasonably knowing that the officer is acting in their official capacity, and who also violate specific traffic regulations, can be charged with a felony. The penalties for this offense include imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

The bill outlines two specific violations that would constitute this new crime: failing to obey traffic signs, signals, or markings, and failing to keep on the proper side of the road. The effective date for this new provision is set for August 1, 2025, and it will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.487