SF3847 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Crime of violence definition expansion to include certain animal cruelty offenses provision
Related bill: HF3696
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- The bill aims to expand the definition of “crime of violence” by adding animal cruelty offenses to the list of felonies that count as violent crimes under Minnesota law. This change is made by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 624.712, subdivision 5.
Main provisions
- Amends the definition of Crime of violence (Subd. 5) so that felony convictions for a wide range of offenses are treated as violent crimes.
- The updated list already covers many serious crimes and now explicitly includes animal cruelty offenses as part of that list.
- The bill specifies that an offense can qualify as a crime of violence not only when actually committed, but also if someone is convicted of attempting to commit any of these offenses (i.e., an “attempt” to commit a crime on the list also counts).
- The bill references offenses across multiple areas, including:
- Violent crimes such as murder, manslaughter, various degrees of assault, and domestic violence
- Robbery, kidnapping, false imprisonment
- Crimes involving weapons (e.g., arson with firearm-related elements, drive-by shootings)
- Criminal activity for the benefit of a gang and related crimes
- Sexual offenses and exploitation (e.g., sex trafficking, criminal sexual conduct)
- Certain drug offenses and property offenses
- Public safety and security offenses such as threats, harassment, and crimes involving public transit
- Animal cruelty offenses (via references to animal cruelty laws)
- The inclusion of “prevention of cruelty to animals” within the scope of violent offenses is highlighted.
Significant changes to existing law
- Adds animal cruelty offenses to the set of offenses that automatically categorize a felony conviction as a crime of violence.
- Extends the reach to include attempts to commit any listed violent offense, including those involving animal cruelty.
- Broadens the scope of what counts as a violent crime, potentially triggering related legal consequences (e.g., sentencing guidelines, enhanced penalties, or other statutes that apply to crimes of violence).
Practical implications
- If enacted, someone convicted of an animal cruelty offense (as a felony) could be treated the same as other violent offenders for purposes tied to the crime of violence designation.
- The change could affect sentencing considerations, probation and parole decisions, firearm ownership restrictions, and other laws that hinge on a crime being classified as a crime of violence.
Notes on scope
- The bill maintains the existing list of offenses but adds animal cruelty offenses to that list, and it includes the possibility of charging or convicting someone for attempting to commit these offenses.
Relevant terms - crime of violence - Minnesota Statutes 624.712 - subdivision 5 - felony convictions - animal cruelty / prevention of cruelty to animals - attempt to commit - violence offenses (e.g., murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping, arson, burglary, terroristic threats) - offenses for the benefit of a gang - drug offenses and other listed crimes - violent-crime consequences (implied by designation as crime of violence)
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Past committee meetings
- Judiciary and Public Safety on: March 19, 2026 09:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 26, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| February 26, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety | |
| March 23, 2026 | Senate | Action | Comm report: To pass | ||
| March 23, 2026 | Senate | Action | Second reading |
Citations
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]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee