Minneslate Logo

HF1573 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Law on retroactive relief clarified for certain felony murders.

Related bill: SF1609

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to existing Minnesota law regarding retroactive relief for individuals convicted of certain felony murders. Specifically, it clarifies the process by which individuals convicted under certain felony murder statutes may petition for relief and potentially have their convictions vacated or resentenced.

Key Provisions:

  1. Eligibility for Relief

    • A petitioner convicted of first-degree felony murder (Minn. Stat. § 609.185, para. a, clause 3) is entitled to relief if they can demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that they:
      1. Did not directly cause the death.
      2. Did not intentionally assist, conspire, or procure another person to cause the death.
    • A petitioner convicted of second-degree felony murder (Minn. Stat. § 609.19, subd. 2, clause 1) is entitled to relief if they can show that they:
      1. Did not cause the death.
      2. Were not a major participant in the underlying felony or did not act with extreme indifference to human life.

  2. Judicial Determination and Resentencing Process

    • If the court determines the petitioner does not qualify for relief, the petition is denied.
    • If relief is granted, the court vacates the felony murder conviction and may:
      1. Resentence the petitioner for the most serious remaining conviction.
      2. Enter a conviction and sentence for any applicable predicate felony that was the basis for the vacated conviction.
      3. Enter a conviction and sentence for a lesser included offense, but only after holding a hearing to determine the appropriate charge.

  3. Judicial Considerations in Resentencing

    • The new sentence must generally be based on the most serious remaining offense.
    • If vacating the conviction affects prior sentences (e.g., consecutive sentences or criminal history calculations), those sentences may be adjusted accordingly.
    • The court must state written reasons for its decision.

  4. Victim Involvement and Notification

    • Victims have the right to submit a statement before resentencing, and prosecutors must make a reasonable effort to notify victims of the hearing.

  5. Additional Provisions

    • Relief granted under this section does not constitute an exoneration under the Incarceration and Exoneration Remedies Act.
    • The date of any newly entered conviction must match the original conviction date.

Purpose:

This bill aims to provide a clear legal process for individuals seeking post-conviction relief under revised felony murder laws. It ensures fair resentencing procedures while considering the impact on victims and maintaining judicial oversight.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on the entitlement to relief based on involvement and intent in the crime."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill addresses relief for individuals convicted under section 609.185 paragraph a clause 3, clarifying conditions under which they can seek resentencing.",
      "modified": [
        "Conditions for entitlement to relief and procedures for court determination."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.185"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification of factors affecting entitlement to resentencing, such as lack of major involvement in the crime."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends the conditions under which individuals convicted under section 609.19 subdivision 2 clause 1 can seek relief.",
      "modified": [
        "Procedures for court decision on eligibility for relief and resentencing."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.19"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Framework for entering conviction for lesser included offense."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "Provides guidance on entering convictions for lesser included offenses, with references to section 631.14 for those determinations.",
      "modified": [
        "Court procedure on entering convictions and holding hearings for lesser offenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "631.14"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specification of victims' rights to be notified and involved in resentencing hearings."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "Ensures victims can submit statements under section 611A.038 during hearings for resentencing.",
      "modified": [
        "Requirements for victim notification and involvement in court hearings."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611A.038"
  }
]

Sponsors