[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed into law legislation providing funding for Attorney General Keith Ellison’s Office to hire up to seven additional criminal prosecutors. Senate File 33 will more than triple the capacity of the Attorney General’s Office to prosecute violent crime and bring justice to victims of crime.

“Ensuring public safety and delivering criminal justice requires partnership and coordination across state, county, and local levels,” said Governor Walz. "This bill provides the critical resources necessary to bolster the state’s ability to fight violent crime, bring justice to victims, and support communities across Minnesota. We will continue to work with counties to make neighborhoods across the state safer for everyone."

“The final passage of this bill is a long time coming. It is a yes to county attorneys, communities, and victims who need justice and closure. It’s a yes to the people of Minnesota,” said Attorney General Ellison. “I’m very grateful to Governor Walz for his steadfast support of this request for the last four years, to the bill authors and legislative leaders, and above all to county attorneys for the trust they place in us and the partnership we’ve built together. With these resources, I’m looking forward to greatly expanding our partnership and helping them bring more justice to our communities."

The bill provides $269,000 in 2023 and $2 million each year after to expand the Attorney General’s Office criminal enforcement team. The additional funds will be used to hire seven additional full-time criminal prosecutors and two legal assistants who will provide needed legal services to rural county attorneys to prosecute serious violent crimes.