This bill aims to enhance public safety by establishing criminal penalties for bribing or corruptly influencing jurors in Minnesota. It introduces a new section, designated as [609.421], which outlines two key offenses: offering bribery and receiving bribery. Under this new provision, individuals who offer or promise benefits to jurors with the intent to influence their decisions will be guilty of a felony, as will jurors who accept such offers. The penalties for these offenses include imprisonment for up to ten years, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. The effective date for these provisions is set for August 1, 2026, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.425, to include jurors in the existing law against corruptly influencing legislators. The amended language specifies that attempts to influence the vote or duties of a juror, in addition to those of a legislator, are subject to penalties, which may include a fine of up to $10,000. This amendment also takes effect on August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes committed from that date forward.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.425