Minnesota Task Force for Mandatory Minimum Sentences

In 2025, the Minnesota Legislature and Governor directed the creation of a task force to collect and analyze data on the charging, convicting, and sentencing of persons to mandatory minimum sentences; assessing whether current laws and practices promote public safety and equity in sentencing. The task force will use this information to create recommendations for the state legislature. 

The Project

The Robina Institute is providing research support to the Minnesota Department of Corrections for the duration of the task force. Working with administrative data from the Department of Corrections, the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, and the Judicial Branch, the project analyzes charging, conviction, and sentencing outcomes in mandatory minimum cases — including departure patterns, codefendant outcomes, and disparities by geography, race/ethnicity, gender, and criminal history. Findings will inform the task force's legislative report.