MN HF2858

Proposes a constitutional amendment adding Section 13 to Article XIII establishing a Sentencing Guidelines Commission with at least 11 members as defined by the legislature.

Requires the Commission to promulgate Sentencing Guidelines for district courts including appropriate sanctions for offenders for whom imprisonment is not proper.

Mandates that any modifications to Sentencing Guidelines grids, severity levels, criminal history scores, or provisions resulting in sentence reduction or early inmate release must be submitted to the legislature by January 15 and become effective August 1, unless the legislature provides otherwise; exceptions apply to legislature-mandated modifications or crimes created/amended by the legislature in the preceding session.

Submits the proposed amendment to voters at the 2020 general election with the ballot title "Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission" and the question asking whether the Constitution should be amended to provide the Commission with power to establish Sentencing Guidelines subject to legislative modification.