The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 628.26, to eliminate the statute of limitations for the crime of arson in the first degree, specifically referenced as section 609.561. This change allows for indictments or complaints related to this crime to be filed at any time after the offense has been committed, thereby removing any time constraints that previously existed. Additionally, the bill makes several other amendments to the limitations on various crimes, including adjustments to the time frames for filing complaints for other offenses, such as those involving victims under the age of 18 and certain theft-related crimes.

The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the effective date of these changes, stating that they will take effect on August 1, 2025. This effective date applies to crimes committed on or after that date, as well as to crimes committed before that date if the limitations period had not expired by August 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that serious crimes like arson can be prosecuted without the constraints of a statute of limitations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 628.26