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 subdivision that prohibits individuals from entering a religious establishment with the intent to disrupt a scheduled worship service. If a person commits a crime within the establishment under these circumstances, they will be charged with a gross misdemeanor. Additionally, if the individual violates this provision a second time or more, they will face felony charges, which could result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

The bill also includes an effective date of August 1, 2026, for the new provisions, indicating that it will apply to crimes committed on or after that date. Furthermore, it modifies the definition section of the statute to clarify that the term "this section" refers to the newly established provisions regarding disruption of worship services, replacing the previous reference to "subdivision 2." This amendment aims to enhance public safety by protecting the sanctity of worship services from intentional disruptions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.28