This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.377, to establish mandatory minimum sentences for the malicious punishment of a child. It defines malicious punishment as the use of unreasonable force or cruel discipline by a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker. The bill outlines various degrees of punishment based on the severity of harm inflicted on the child, including gross misdemeanors for less than substantial bodily harm and felonies for cases involving children under four or resulting in substantial or great bodily harm.

Key changes in the bill include the deletion of discretionary sentencing language, replacing it with mandatory commitments to the custody of the commissioner of corrections for specific offenses. For instance, individuals convicted of malicious punishment resulting in bodily harm to a child under four or substantial bodily harm will be required to serve time in custody, with specific minimum terms established. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.377