Newsmakers: Rep. Bahner Talks About Legislation on Domestic Violence Charges
Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove) is the author of House File 424 that police hope will strengthen domestic violence charges. Maple Grove police testified in a committee hearing, in support of the legislation in January.
“It gives extra tools in the toolbox for judges, prosecutors, and attorneys to be able to really hold someone to account for domestic violence,” said Bahner.
She says the idea took root at the Maple Grove Citizens Police Academy, when an officer spoke with her about a legal loophole that the officer felt put victims at risk.
Maple Grove Police Officer Kate Damm testified about the need to strengthen domestic violence laws in a January hearing.
“In my research, there seems to be some glaring omissions in the law,” said Bahner. “We are specifically adding first and second degree manslaughter, parts of third degree murder as well as kidnapping, false imprisonment, burglary with assault which is often used by victims when they break into the homes of their target.”
Bahner says she’s been working with victims’ advocates as well as county attorneys, judges, and prosecutors on the legislation. She has confidence it could get passed this time around.
See also: Maple Grove Police Testify in Support of a Bill Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws
