If you’re like me, last weekend was a busy one, but it wasn’t so hectic that we missed the new batch of criminal laws that went into action in Minnesota on August 1.
A lot of the new laws are focused on enhancing current laws or closing loose ends. So without further ado, here’s a quick recap of the new laws that are now on the books.
New and Enhanced Laws
- The first new law will make it expressly illegal to put bodily fluids in another person’s food or drink. That seems like a no brainer, but the law was technically never on the books. The new law was the result of the incident in Blaine where a man ejaculated into his coworker’s coffee cup. He was originally charged with two counts of gross misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, but that was dismissed because the old Minnesota statute did not define contact with semen as sexual contact. The man was eventually convicted on a lesser charge of misdemeanor indecent exposure. Under the new law, such actions would be punishable by a gross misdemeanor with a fine of up to $3,000 and up to a year in jail.
- Enhanced fines for drivers who text behind the wheel. A first offense for texting and driving costs $50, but a second offense will be increased to $225, in addition to any existing fines.
- In what seems like another no brainer, a new law requires that electronic monitoring devices be activated prior to the release of the inmate.
- New limitations on automated police license plate readers. The new compromise will require law enforcement to delete license plate data within 60 days unless it’s related to an ongoing investigation. Additionally, the law will require warrants for most use of the data, and compliance audits will occur every two years.
- Straw purchasing, where a person who can legally buy a firearm buys a weapon for a person whose not allowed to buy a gun, will now become a gross misdemeanor offense.
- Increased penalties for inmates and patients in state security hospitals who assault workers or caregivers.
- Hiring an underage prostitute will now be a felony charge and carry a potential five year jail sentence.
