This bill aims to enhance public safety by increasing penalties for criminal vehicular homicide and mandating driver education programs to include information about these penalties. Specifically, it amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.2112, subdivision 1, to raise the maximum imprisonment term from ten years to 25 years for individuals found guilty of causing a death through negligent driving. Additionally, for repeat offenders with prior driving offenses, the maximum sentence is increased from 15 years to 30 years, along with a potential fine of up to $30,000. The bill also establishes a new subdivision requiring driver training programs to provide comprehensive instruction on the penalties associated with criminal vehicular homicide.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of public safety to support programs aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, including the associated penalties for criminal vehicular homicide. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026, applying to violations committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.2112