This bill aims to enhance criminal penalties for certain domestic violence-related offenses in Minnesota. It amends existing statutes to impose stricter consequences for violations of orders for protection and domestic abuse no contact orders. Key changes include increasing the penalties for violations based on the offender's prior convictions, specifically introducing felony charges for individuals who violate such orders after having been previously convicted of felony-level domestic violence offenses. The bill also establishes minimum incarceration periods for gross misdemeanor and felony convictions, ensuring that offenders face significant consequences for their actions.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the conditions under which a peace officer may arrest individuals for violating protection orders, even if the violation did not occur in the officer's presence, provided the existence of the order can be verified. It also includes provisions for the forfeiture of firearms used during the commission of these violations and outlines the court's authority to impose bonds to deter further violations. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 518B.01, 609.2242, 629.75