This bill aims to enhance public safety by imposing stricter sentencing guidelines for violent offenders, particularly those who use firearms. It amends Minnesota Statutes to require an aggravated durational departure from the presumptive imprisonment sentence for offenders who have prior convictions for violent crimes and either possess or use a firearm during the commission of their current offense. Specifically, the bill mandates that judges impose consecutive sentences for certain violent offenders, ensuring that they serve their entire announced sentence in prison without eligibility for probation, parole, or work release until the full term is completed.

Key amendments include the addition of a new subdivision to section 609.1095, which outlines the requirements for imposing consecutive sentences and clarifies that offenders sentenced under this section are ineligible for earned incentive release credit. The bill also specifies that any person convicted under these provisions must serve their sentences consecutively unless doing so would result in a longer total prison time. Overall, the legislation seeks to deter violent crime by ensuring that offenders face significant and consecutive prison sentences, particularly when firearms are involved.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 244.45, 609.1095