MN HF71

Increases maximum prison sentence for criminal vehicular homicide from 10 years to 15 years when the offense occurs within 10 years of a qualified prior driving offense.

Applies the enhanced 15-year penalty only to violations involving negligent or reckless driving while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or hazardous substances (clauses 2-6), not to gross negligence or hit-and-run cases.

Defines "qualified prior driving offense" to include prior convictions for DUI violations under certain circumstances, prior criminal vehicular homicide or injury convictions, and prior reckless or negligent vehicular operation convictions.

Expands the definition of "qualified prior driving offense" to include convictions under both current Minnesota law (2014) and previous versions (2012 and 2006).

Applies the same enhanced penalty provisions to criminal vehicular operation resulting in death to an unborn child.

Effective August 1, 2016, for crimes committed on or after that date.