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State Representative Paul Marquart
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6829
For more information contact: Christina Gosack 651-296-5524
Press/News Releases
New Laws On Blood-Alcohol Standard, Sex Offenders And Meth Go Into Effect August 1st
On Tuesday, August 2nd, communities across Minnesota celebrated National Night Out with block parties, cookouts and visits from local police departments. This yearly event to strengthen community spirit and crime awareness coincided with the changes August 1st in state crime laws. Stronger laws against sex offenders, meth dealers and drunk driving went into effect Monday.
"These new laws toughen restrictions on some of the worst criminals in the state," Representative Paul Marquart commented. "That means safer communities for our kids."
Representative Marquart supported new laws to ensure that the worst sex offenders stay behind bars. Under the law passed this year, the worst sex offenders will be in prison for life, without the possibility of release. This includes offenders who murder their victims and repeat first-degree offenders.
"We simply cannot afford to release these violent offenders – the likelihood that they'll commit new crimes is too high," Marquart said.
Marquart also voted this year to address the state's methamphetamine epidemic by increasing penalties against meth cookers. Starting Monday, a felony is established for stealing, purchasing or possessing anhydrous ammonia, a fertilizer used as an ingredient in meth. The new statutes also increase the penalties for exposing children to meth-related activities.
Finally, a tougher legal standard for those who drink and drive went into effect Monday. The legal blood limit for blood-alcohol content decreased from .10 percent to .08. Nearby states where the .08 standard is already in effect have seen a decrease in alcohol-related accidents.
News Items
- Marquart Selected to Chair House Education Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-05-15 00:00:00)
- May 15th deadline to pay property taxes stings Greater Minnesota homeowners, business owners and farmers - (Posted: 2012-05-15 00:00:00)
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