HF104

This bill aims to create confidentiality protections for participants in restorative justice practices in Minnesota. Restorative justice practices are defined as voluntary meetings where individuals involved in causing harm, those harmed, and community members discuss the incident and agree on steps to repair the harm and prevent future incidents.

The bill specifies:

1. Data Confidentiality: Information about individuals participating in restorative justice, such as their names or details of the incident, is confidential and cannot be used in legal or administrative hearings.

2. Confidential Communication: Statements made or actions taken during the restorative justice process, including preparations or follow-up activities, are also protected from being disclosed in legal or administrative contexts.

3. Exceptions: There are some exceptions to these protections:

   • Organizers can provide summary data for reporting purposes
   • Required compliance with certain laws (e.g., child protection)
   • Participants can disclose their own information if they choose.
   • Courts can require disclosure to verify ordered participation.
   • Information can still be disclosed if necessary to prevent serious crimes or violations.

4. Data Classification: Data collected about participants during these processes are classified as private.

In summary, the bill seeks to ensure the privacy of individuals involved in restorative justice processes, with specific exceptions for safety, legal compliance, or court orders. This is intended to promote the use of restorative justice by providing confidentiality to those who participate.