Bill > SF206

This bill modifies Minnesota's criminal laws related to felony murder and aiding and abetting murder, with several key provisions. It narrows the circumstances under which a person can be held criminally liable for murder committed by another person, specifically requiring that for first-degree murder, a person must have intentionally aided or procured the death with premeditation or intent. The bill also adds new exceptions to felony murder charges, stipulating that a person cannot be held responsible unless they were a "major participant" in the underlying felony and acted with extreme indifference to human life. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for individuals previously convicted of first-degree murder under an aiding and abetting theory to petition for resentencing or conviction relief if they did not directly cause the death or intentionally aid in causing the death with premeditation. The legislation also revives a task force to continue studying felony murder and aiding and abetting liability, requiring a report to be submitted by February 1, 2027. These changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date, representing a significant reform of how murder liability is determined in Minnesota.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0206&ssn=0&y=2025