Several crime provisions discussed in committees and on the House floor either became law on their own, like the law explained below, or they were included in the omnibus transportation/public safety funding law. Click here to read more about the omnibus measures. Otherwise, individual laws are listed below.

Access to criminal information

A new law allows the state attorney general and county attorneys to access the CriMNet statewide information system in specific cases, such as for the purpose of determining the nature of petitions for civil commitment of certain sex offenders.
CrimNet is a computer system in development that would make information regarding convicted felons and misdemeanants available to law enforcement personnel statewide.
Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL-St. Paul) and Sen. Richard Cohen (DFL-St. Paul) sponsored the law, which is effective Aug. 1, 2001.
HF883/SF846*/CH167

Cracking down on pornography

A new law effective Aug. 1, 2001 gives the state attorney general and county attorneys greater subpoena power to investigate and prosecute creators and distributors of child pornography.
The law, sponsored by Rep. Wes Skoglund (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Satveer Chaudhary (DFL-Fridley), would require corporations based in other states that provide electronic communication services in Minnesota to comply with search warrants issued by judges in other states. Likewise, Minnesota corporations would be required to comply with warrants issued by other states' judges.
Under previous law, law enforcement officials in other had to find a Minnesota judge to issue a search warrant before corporations within the state are subject to a search. Under the new legislation, Minnesota would enter into a reciprocity agreement with other states that have passed this legislation.
The law also increases the penalty for disseminating child pornography from a five-year to a seven-year maximum sentence for the first offense and raises the penalty for a second offense from 10 years to 15 years.
HF848/SF969*/CH197

Redefining 'deadly force'

A new law redefines deadly force, providing that use of a firearm expelling less lethal munitions -- such as stun guns and "bean bag" shots -- during official duties does not constitute deadly force.
These weapons are designed to temporarily incapacitate or cause temporary discomfort to a person. Previously, deadly force definitions may have prohibited law enforcement from using such tools because standards of the law were not met.
Effective Aug. 1, 2001, the law was sponsored by Rep. Rich Stanek (R-Maple Grove) and Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls).
HF783*/SF1244/CH127

Gas 'n go no more

A new law will provide remedies for gas drive-offs and for business owners who receive a bad or dishonored check.
The law allows the initial service charge on dishonored checks up to $30. It also amends provisions for a civil penalty.
In addition, the law allows retailers to collect a service charge for driving off without paying for gasoline. In addition, it allows a civil penalty of up to $100 if the cost of the gas and the service charge is not reimbursed within 30 days or receiving notice.
Sponsored by Rep. Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Falls) and Sen. Cal Larson (R-Fergus Falls), the law is effective Aug. 1, 2001.
HF205/SF103*/CH204

Other Crime stories

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