HF1893

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.82, subdivision 7, regarding the classification and duration of criminal investigative data availability. The key changes include:

1. Modification of the Active Investigation Period:

   • Under current law, an investigation becomes inactive when a decision is made not to pursue the case, when the statute of limitations expires, or when all appeals for a convicted individual are exhausted.
     
   • The bill changes the statute of limitations timeframe from 30 years to 20 years, whichever comes first.

2. Public Access and Confidentiality:

   • Investigative data remain confidential while an investigation is active.
     
   • Once an investigation is inactive, the data generally become public, unless releasing them would compromise another ongoing investigation or reveal protected identities.
     
   • Certain images and recordings that are deemed "clearly offensive to common sensibilities" will remain classified as private, but their existence must be disclosed upon request.

3. Judicial Review for Data Disclosure:

   • While an investigation is active, individuals can file a request in district court to seek access to investigative data.
     
   • A judge will determine whether releasing the data benefits the requesting person or the public more than it harms the public, law enforcement agency, or any individuals associated with the data.

The bill was introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives by Representatives McDonald and Novotny and referred to the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law for further review.