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State Representative John Lesch
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4224
For more information contact: Ben Schweigert 651-296-5809
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Benny’s Law and Other Public Safety Bills by Representative Lesch Pass House Omnibus Public Safety Bill will control gangs, meth, and sex offenders
On Thursday, April 28th, Representative John Lesch joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives in passing its Omnibus Public Safety Bill, which will toughen penalties for gang members and sex offenders, help combat the meth epidemic in Minnesota, and take many other actions to stop crime and improve public safety in the state. Representative Lesch authored some of the most important provisions in the legislation.
“Ensuring public safety and fighting crime is the most essential government service there is," Rep. Lesch said. “It is clear that we need to do more in this state to control gang members and other criminals if our children are going to be safe in our communities.”
In particular, Rep. Lesch authored Benny’s Law, a measure in the bill to increase penalties for gang members who commit crimes against children. It was named after Ben Doran, a 15-year-old sophomore at Como High School, who was beaten to death by two gang members in 2003. Ben's death was a case of mistaken identity. He was incorrectly identified as being involved in a dispute with a gang member's acquaintance.
The two gang-members responsible for Ben's death were sentenced to 30 years in prison, although they may serve only 20 years. Benny’s Law will end the possibility of early release for gang members who commit crimes against children.
“A crime against a child is the most heinous of crimes, because it targets the most innocent and vulnerable members of our society,” Rep. Lesch said. “By passing this bill today we say that we are willing to do what it takes to end gang violence against kids.”
Rep. Lesch also co-authored other parts of the bill targeted at controlling crystal methamphetamine and sex offenders.
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News Items
- Rep. Lesch, Senator John Marty and Revenue Commissioner Frans to talk tax reform with area residents at St. Paul town hall meeting - (Posted: 2012-12-12 00:00:00)
- Rep. Lesch Named Chair of the House Civil Law Committee - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- EARTH DAY A CHANCE FOR REFLECTION, ACTION - (Posted: 2012-04-17 00:00:00)
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