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SF1364 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Embezzlement of public funds over a certain amount penalty increase provision

Related bill: HF2828

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

  • To tighten and specify penalties for embezzlement of public funds by creating a tiered sentencing structure based on how much money is embezzled.

Main Provisions

  • Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.54 (Embezzlement of Public Funds).
  • Applies to acts that constitute embezzlement under Minnesota Constitution article XI section 13.
  • Establishes three penalty tiers based on the value of funds embezzled:
    • Tier 1: $2,500 or less
    • Imprisonment up to 5 years, or a fine up to $10,000, or both.
    • Tier 2: more than $2,500 but less than $100,000
    • Imprisonment up to 10 years, or a fine up to $20,000, or both.
    • Tier 3: $100,000 or more
    • Imprisonment up to 20 years, or a fine up to $50,000, or both.
  • The penalties are the maximums; courts may impose sentences within these limits.
  • Maintains the option to impose both imprisonment and fines.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Introduces a structured, three-tier penalty system tied to the amount embezzled.
  • Sets explicit maximums for imprisonment and fines corresponding to small, moderate, and large embezzlement amounts.
  • Clarifies that the penalties apply specifically to acts of embezzlement as defined in the state constitution.

Notes

  • The bill focuses on aligning penalties with the monetary scope of the embezzlement and reinforces the seriousness of misusing public funds.

Relevant Terms - embezzlement - public funds - misappropriation of public funds - Minnesota Constitution article XI section 13 - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.54 - value thresholds: 2,500; 100,000 - imprisonment - fines - or both - tiered penalties

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 13, 2025SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
February 13, 2025SenateActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill increases penalties for embezzlement of public funds by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.54 to set penalties based on the value embezzled.",
      "modified": [
        "Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.54 to establish tiered penalties for embezzlement of public funds: value $2,500 or less—imprisonment up to 5 years or fine up to $10,000; value greater than $2,500 but less than $100,000—imprisonment up to 10 years or fine up to $20,000; value $100,000 or more—imprisonment up to 20 years or fine up to $50,000."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.54",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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