Bill > HF1590

This bill modifies Minnesota's existing law regarding malicious punishment of a child by establishing mandatory minimum sentences for different levels of child abuse. The bill changes the language from permissive ("may be sentenced") to mandatory, requiring individuals who commit child abuse to be committed to the custody of the corrections commissioner for specified minimum time periods. The penalties escalate based on the severity of harm: a gross misdemeanor for minor harm (up to 364 days), a felony if the offender has prior related convictions (minimum 1 year), a felony for abuse of children under four with specific types of injuries (minimum 1 year), a felony for causing substantial bodily harm (minimum 1 year), and a felony for causing great bodily harm (minimum 2 years). Each level of offense also includes potential fines ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the severity. The bill specifically defines these offenses as applying to parents, legal guardians, or caretakers who use unreasonable force or excessive, cruel discipline. The new provisions will become effective on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these stricter penalties.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1590&ssn=0&y=2025