Sentencing Guidelines Commission backs creation of mandatory-minimums task force

The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission voted unanimously March 13 to adopt a resolution supporting legislation to create a task force on mandatory minimum sentences.

Commissioners discussed the bill during the executive director's report and then moved to a formal motion. Commissioner Freese moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner Middlebrook seconded. The roll call recorded 13 votes in favor and no votes opposed. Chair Mitchell announced, “With that, the motion is approved.”

Commissioners said the commission could provide research and information to the task force if it is formed. Several members raised a question about task-force membership. Commissioner Middlebrook said it would be useful to include judicial representation. Commissioner Saxena and others discussed the tradeoffs of including judges on a task force, noting some judges decline to take formal policy positions but that judicial perspective can illuminate how sentencing rules operate in courtrooms.

Executive director-level staff noted the commission has previously discussed how mandatory minimums affect departure rates and other guideline outcomes and that the task force could provide a venue for deeper study. No specific statutory amendments were adopted by the commission; the action taken at the March 13 meeting was endorsement of the concept and support for the introduced bill.

The vote came near the end of the March 13 meeting after staff updates and public comment. The commission’s action is a formal position the body can provide to legislators and to any task force the legislature creates.

Action items and follow-up identified during the meeting include staff coordination to supply data and background information to the task force if requested, and informal discussion among commissioners about preferred membership.

Votes at a glance - Motion: “Adopt a resolution in support of (file 1719 as introduced / legislation to create a mandatory-minimums task force).” Mover: Commissioner Freese; Second: Commissioner Middlebrook. Outcome: Approved 13–0.

Context: The commission discussed the mandate and potential membership of the task force during the executive director—s report. Commissioners noted the U.S. Sentencing Commission—s prior positions opposing mandatory minimums and discussed whether judicial members should be included on a state task force.

Public comment at the meeting focused on the broader comprehensive review work rather than the task-force vote.