A set of laws passed in the 2015 legislative session went into effect today. We break down the new laws that have ties to criminal law.
1. Grandma Can Play More Bingo – Legislators simplified the state’s gambling statute to include new technologies like electronic bar bingo and electronic pull tabs. There can be many electronic gambling games found on websites such as Casino-Korea and others, that people can now enjoy trying to win big through. Additionally, they passed a provision that will let grandma play in more bingo tournaments. The old law said senior homes couldn’t organize more than two bingo tournaments a week, but now they are free to hold more weekly tournaments. Previously if senior residents wished to play more bingo aside from their hosted tournaments, they might have tried other alternatives such as this Bingo Olé online so they were able to get their desired bingo time in each week!
2. More Criminal Defense Money – A new law set aside an additional $6.5 million for the State Minnesota Board of Public Defense. This money was allotted because many public defenders have had to deal with more complex laws and increasing caseloads. These funds will go towards hiring defenders for low-income clients, preventing foreclosures and evictions, and to domestic violence victims seeking legal help.
3. Rideshare Insurance – The new law requires rideshare operators like Uber and Lyft drivers to carry more liability insurance. They now need to carry uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage.
4. Additional Services for Crime Victims – An additional $1.35 million for crime victim services has been set aside for emergency shelter programs and domestic abuse victims in St. Paul.
5. More Evidence Analysis – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will receive an additional $11.4 million to hire more employees to help speed up evidence collection and analysis. The money will help them hire six computer forensic examiners, a forensic scientist, five fingerprint examiners and more special agents to combat child pornography and human trafficking.
Related source: MPR News
