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HF1397 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Use of sign and release warrants made optional.

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 629.415, Subdivision 5, concerning the use of sign and release warrants by law enforcement officers. The key changes allow officers to use discretion in issuing these warrants rather than being required to do so.

Summary of Key Provisions:

  1. Officer Discretion: If a peace officer encounters a defendant with a sign and release warrant, they are no longer mandated to issue a notice but may choose to do so.
  2. Notification Process:
    • If issuing a new court appearance notice, it must be in writing and include the case or warrant number.
    • The defendant may be asked to sign an acknowledgment but cannot be required to do so.
    • If the defendant refuses to sign, the officer or another employee must note that notification was given.
  3. Immediate Release: A defendant receiving a new notice must be released at the scene.
  4. Administrative Actions:
    • The officer must ensure the warrant is inactivated as soon as possible.
    • A notification must be submitted to the court’s electronic filing system, updating the case with the defendant’s contact information and acknowledgment of notice.

This bill effectively makes the use of sign and release warrants optional rather than obligatory for law enforcement, granting officers greater discretion in handling missed court appearances.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Explicit option for officers to provide new court appearance notice."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies requirements for law enforcement when handling sign and release warrants under section 629.415.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes language to allow discretion in handling sign and release warrants rather than a mandate."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "629.415"
  }
]

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