The bill amends the membership and appointing authority of the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, specifically altering the composition of its members. It reduces the number of voting members from 11 to 9 and introduces a nonvoting member, the commissioner of corrections or a designee. The bill also specifies that the governor must consider slates of candidates submitted by relevant associations when appointing certain members, such as the public defender and county attorney. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for the commission to make reasonable efforts to appoint qualified members from protected groups.

Furthermore, the bill removes several positions from the commission, including a representative from an organization providing treatment for felony offenders and an academic with a background in criminal justice. It also clarifies the roles of peace officers and introduces a requirement for the commission to elect its voting members rather than having them designated by the governor. The changes are set to take effect the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 244.09