The bill establishes a new crime known as "disruption of worship services" in Minnesota. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.28, by adding a new subdivision that makes it a gross misdemeanor for a person to enter a religious establishment with the intent to disrupt a scheduled worship service and commit a crime within that establishment. If a person commits this offense a second or subsequent time, it escalates to a felony, with potential penalties of up to five years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000, or both. This new provision is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing subdivision 3 of section 609.28 to clarify the definition of a religious establishment, stating that it is identified as such by a posted sign or other means. This amendment also has an effective date of August 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety by addressing disruptions during worship services and providing clear legal consequences for such actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.28