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HF1998 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Victim notification to order for protection and harassment restraining order violations not prosecuted extended, and victim notification requirements clarified and updated for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.

Related bill: SF2099

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to improve the notification process for victims of certain crimes in Minnesota, ensuring they are adequately informed of their rights and available resources. It particularly focuses on cases of domestic assault, criminal sexual conduct, harassment, stalking, and violations related to orders for protection or restraining orders.

Main Provisions

  • Victim Notification Updates: Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors must update and correctly distribute notices about victims' rights. These notices should inform victims about support services, legal rights, and resources available in their community.

  • Specific Notifications for Non-Prosecuted Cases: Prosecutors must make all reasonable efforts to notify victims if they decide not to prosecute a case involving domestic assault, criminal sexual conduct, or related offenses.

  • Notification of Rights in Juvenile Court: Victims should receive specific notices about their rights in juvenile court proceedings, including when these proceedings are public and how they can participate.

  • Informing Victims: If a prosecutor dismisses charges, victims must be informed of their options for seeking protective orders without a fee.

  • Resource Information: Victims must receive immediate written notice of the legal resources available to them, including shelter information and contact details for support services.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Extended Victim Notification: The bill extends notification requirements to include cases where violations of protection or restraining orders are not prosecuted.

  • Detailed Non-Prosecution Notice: Prosecutors must document specific reasons for not pursuing a case or for dismissing charges, particularly if witness unavailability is cited.

  • Supplementary Notices for Homicide Victims: Law enforcement agencies must provide additional resources and information specific to homicide victims.

Relevant Terms

victim notification, domestic assault, criminal sexual conduct, harassment, stalking, order for protection, harassment restraining order, prosecutor, law enforcement, victim rights, juvenile court proceedings, victim services, dismissal of charges, protective orders, legal resources.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionReceived from House
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subsection for distributing notice electronically was added."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the notification of victim services and rights.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies and updates the notice requirements for victims."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611A.02"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "The requirement to notify victims about specific protections under the law."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous distribution methods are revised."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill updates the notice of rights for domestic abuse victims.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates the content required in the written notices provided by peace officers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "629.341"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "None specified in the section."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified in the section."
      ],
      "summary": "Reference to data privacy related to victims' identities.",
      "modified": [
        "References updated to align with victim identity protection."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.82"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies access to orders for protection without a fee."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified in the section."
      ],
      "summary": "Reference to existing laws on orders for protection.",
      "modified": [
        "Encourages informing victims about these legal provisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "518B.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies definitions related to harassment restraining orders."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified in the section."
      ],
      "summary": "Reference to harassment restraining orders.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns with updated notification procedures for restraining orders."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.748"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Aligns stalking definitions with the current legal framework."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None specified in the section."
      ],
      "summary": "Reference to stalking and harassment violations.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines how harassment or stalking is communicated to victims."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.749"
  }
]

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