HF1083 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Domestic abuse advocates prohibited from disclosing information.
Related bill: SF1055
AI Generated Summary
This legislative bill, H.F. No. 1083, is focused on further protecting the confidentiality of communications between domestic abuse victims and their advocates. Specifically, it amends section 595.02, subdivision 1 of the Minnesota Statutes to ensure that domestic abuse advocates cannot be compelled to disclose information received from victims without the victim's consent unless specifically ordered by a court. The bill emphasizes weighing the public interest and the need for disclosure against the potential impact on the victim and the services provided by the advocate before deciding to compel disclosure.
The bill acknowledges the need to protect the confidentiality of these communications to support and encourage victims to seek help without fear of their private information being exposed without their approval. Overall, the bill stands to promote a more supportive and secure environment for victims of domestic abuse seeking assistance.
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Judiciary Finance and Civil Law |
| February 18, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Authors added | |
| February 19, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| March 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Committee report, to adopt and re-refer to | Public Safety Finance and Policy |
| March 31, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Committee report, to adopt as amended | |
| March 31, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Second reading |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"A new provision prohibiting domestic abuse advocates from disclosing certain information without the victim's consent, unless ordered by the court."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies the rules regarding the competency of witnesses under section 595.02.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies conditions under which various professionals can be compelled to disclose private communications."
]
},
"citation": "595.02"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This citation is referenced in the context of mandatory reporting requirements for certain professionals.",
"modified": [
"Ensures compliance with existing mandatory reporting laws."
]
},
"citation": "626.557"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This citation is referenced concerning mandatory reporting of maltreatment of minors.",
"modified": [
"Maintains reference to child protection reporting standards."
]
},
"citation": "260E"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines eligibility criteria for community-based battered women’s shelters and domestic abuse programs.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies qualifications of domestic abuse advocates."
]
},
"citation": "611A.32"
}
]