MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Today, the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission voted to advance a five year cap on probation terms. Rep. Jamie Long (DFL – Minneapolis) released the following statement in response:
“I applaud Commissioner Schnell and the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission for advancing a five year cap on probation terms. Our current probation system is failing basic tests of fairness. Probation terms for the same crime vary widely across the state, and Minnesotans are still receiving 20, 30, and even 40 year probation terms. These types of sentences are not rehabilitative. It’s time we help returning citizens rejoin their communities, rather than creating more obstacles.”
Earlier this year, Rep. Long introduced legislation to cap probation at five years. His bill received bipartisan support from county attorneys, public defenders, probation officers, and civil rights groups. It passed the Minnesota House of Representatives but was not adopted into law.