HF2976
Mitigated departures provided for certain offenders who have been victims, presentence investigation reports required to include certain information, certain offenders who have been victims allowed to apply for a pardon or for clemency, and Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission directed to include an additional mitigating factor.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
Related bill: SF3002
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of the bill is to provide certain legal adjustments and considerations for offenders who have been victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or sex trafficking. It aims to offer pathways for mitigated sentencing and the possibility of clemency or a pardon under specific circumstances, emphasizing a more nuanced approach to sentencing for affected individuals.
Main Provisions
Mitigated Sentencing Departures: The bill allows courts to consider reduced sentences (mitigated departures) for offenders who have been victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or sex trafficking if these experiences contributed to the commission of their offenses.
Presentence Investigation Reports: These reports must include information about any victimization due to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or sex trafficking, which could influence the court's sentencing decisions.
Confidentiality of Records: Courts may keep certain records confidential when assessing whether a person's victimization should affect sentencing, ensuring sensitive information remains private.
Probation and Support Services: When sentencing eligible offenders to probation, the court may require participation in support services or treatment programs that address trauma and mental health issues related to their victimization.
Clemency and Pardons: Victimized offenders may apply for clemency or a pardon, supporting a potential reduction in legal penalties due to the context of their offenses.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
Introduction of Mitigating Factors: The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines will incorporate victim status due to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or sex trafficking as a mitigating factor, potentially altering standard sentencing practices.
Enhanced Victim Support Measures: The bill proposes a formal integration of supportive services in sentencing for victims, marking a shift toward rehabilitation and addressing root causes of criminal behavior.
Relevant Terms
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual assault
- Sex trafficking
- Mitigated departure
- Sentencing Guidelines
- Clemency
- Pardon
- Probation
- Supportive services
Past committee meetings
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Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 01, 2025 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Public Safety Finance and Policy | |
| March 12, 2026 | House | Action | Author added | ||
| Showing the 5 most recent stages. This bill has 2 stages in total. Log in to view all stages | |||||
Meeting documents
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Citations
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Progress through the legislative process
Sponsors
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