Bill > HF341

This bill enhances penalties for driving without a valid license by establishing more severe consequences for repeat offenders. The legislation modifies existing Minnesota law to create a gross misdemeanor classification for certain driving violations, particularly when a person's license has been suspended, revoked, canceled, or denied. Under the new provisions, a person can be charged with a gross misdemeanor if they commit a "qualified violation" under specific circumstances, such as causing a collision resulting in substantial bodily harm, great bodily harm, or death, or if the violation occurs within ten years of two prior convictions. The bill defines "qualified violation" by listing specific sections of Minnesota law related to driving offenses, including traffic violations, impaired driving, and other serious driving-related infractions. The legislation also clarifies that prosecutors in the jurisdiction where the violation occurred are responsible for prosecuting these offenses and that these new penalties do not prevent additional criminal charges. The changes will take effect on August 1, 2025, and apply to offenses committed on or after that date, aiming to improve public safety by imposing stricter consequences for repeated driving without a valid license.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0341&ssn=0&y=2025