Sen. Limmer, Republicans Outline Public Safety Priorities

Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, says Senate Republicans will focus on enhanced penalties for certain crimes, like carjacking, in this year’s legislative session.

“Auto theft appears to be out of control in the metro area,” said Limmer, who chairs the Senate Public Safety Committee. “We’ll increase penalties for stealing a car to then use it in the furtherance for committing an additional crime.”

Limmer pointed a finger at prosecutors for being part of the problem contributing to the current crime surge. He says the Senate will introduce proposals to change that.

“County prosecutors who are deliberately ignoring various low-level crimes that only embolden bad actors. We intend to remember the victims first before we make public policy,” said Limmer. “It is the highest priority of any government is to protect the safety of its citizens. The actions of a few prosecutors are destroying that mission.”

One of the proposed enhanced penalties is having sentences served consecutively, not concurrently. Another is for a hard mandatory, minimum sentence for a crime with a firearm. 

To listen to the full press conference, click here. 

See also: Brooklyn Park Police: Armed Carjacking Connected to Shots-Fired Case

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