2025 Session
Last amended: 1984 session
§ 609.425 — Corruptly Influencing Legislator
Plain-Language Summary
It is a felony to try to influence a state legislator's vote or official duties through threats, deception, hiding facts, or other corrupt methods. The penalty is up to five years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or both.
609.425 CORRUPTLY INFLUENCING LEGISLATOR.
Whoever by menace, deception, concealment of facts, or other corrupt means, attempts to influence the vote or other performance of duty of any member of the legislature or person elected thereto may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.
History:
1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.425; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11
History: History: 1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.425; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11
Practical Notes
This law goes beyond bribery to cover other forms of corrupt influence on legislators. It includes threatening legislators, deceiving them with false information, or hiding relevant facts to manipulate their decisions. Legitimate lobbying and political persuasion are not covered by this statute.