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HF2521 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Petition to court for relief from stay of adjudication permitted.

Related bill: SF2826

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill allows individuals in Minnesota, who have been convicted of a crime or received a stay of adjudication, to petition the court for relief. The aim is to provide these individuals with the opportunity to challenge the conviction or adjudication based on constitutional rights violations or newly discovered scientific evidence demonstrating actual innocence.

Main Provisions

  • Petition for Relief: The bill enables individuals to file a petition in district court to vacate and set aside the judgment, resentence the petitioner, or provide other appropriate remedies if their conviction or stay of adjudication violated their rights under the U.S. or Minnesota Constitutions or laws.
  • Postconviction Relief Conditions: After a direct appeal has been concluded, petitions for postconviction relief cannot be based on issues that could have been raised during the appeal.
  • DNA and Forensic Testing: Individuals may request DNA or forensic testing on evidence from their trial if the technology became available only after the trial or was not previously accessible. They must prove a prima facie case that identity was an issue and the evidence remains unaltered.
  • Time Limitations: Generally, petitions must be filed within two years from the judgment, the sentence, or the appellate court's decision on the direct appeal. Exceptions exist for new scientific evidence, legal interpretations, or other significant legal changes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Stay of Adjudication Relief: This bill amends current statutes to include stays of adjudication as conditions eligible for postconviction relief petitions.
  • Scientific and Legal Advancements: The bill considers advances in forensic testing and changes in legal interpretations as valid grounds for petitions, provided they meet certain criteria.
  • Extended Deadlines: Extends the limitations period for filing petitions under specific circumstances such as newly discovered evidence or changes in legal interpretations that apply retroactively.

Relevant Terms

  • Postconviction relief
  • Stay of adjudication
  • DNA testing
  • Forensic evidence
  • Actual innocence
  • Constitutional rights
  • Newly discovered evidence
  • Retroactive application
  • Judicial petition

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toJudiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "The ability to petition for relief based on newly available scientific evidence that establishes actual innocence."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the conditions for petitions of postconviction relief under section 590.01.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on the time limits and conditions under which postconviction relief may still be pursued beyond typical deadlines."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "590.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "The proceedings for filing under section 590.01 conform with provisions that include section 590.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures that proceedings initiated under 590.01 adhere to the larger statutory framework up to 590.06."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "590.06"
  }
]

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