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HF3070 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Forensic navigator monitoring provided, Minnesota Competency Attainment Board provisions modified, and money appropriated.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance the judiciary system in Minnesota by introducing forensic navigator monitoring, updating existing legal provisions related to criminal competency, and providing financial resources to support these changes.

Main Provisions

  • Forensic Navigator Monitoring: The bill establishes the use of forensic navigators to assist defendants found incompetent to stand trial. These navigators will monitor compliance with court orders and provide support in accessing mental health and social services.

  • Competency Attainment: Updates are made to how the Minnesota Competency Attainment Board functions, including membership and program certification. They also outline procedures if defendants are unlikely to regain competency.

  • Dismissal of Charges: Clarifications on when misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony charges should be dismissed if a defendant remains incompetent.

  • Pretrial Supervision: Courts are granted discretion to decide if a defendant needs pretrial supervision based on public safety and the individual's interests. The forensic navigator's role in pretrial supervision is clearly defined.

  • Funding: Appropriations are specified for maintaining operations and fulfilling the demand for competency attainment services beginning in fiscal year 2026.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Changes the conditions and duration under which charges may be dismissed if the defendant is deemed incompetent.
  • Includes provisions for continued supervision or monitoring of defendants deemed unlikely to regain competency, particularly in serious felony cases.
  • Establishes a formal procedure for forensic navigator involvement and responsibilities, emphasizing their role in non-legal assistance.

Relevant Terms

  • Forensic navigator
  • Competency attainment
  • Pretrial supervision
  • Criminal charges dismissal
  • Minnesota Competency Attainment Board
  • Mental health services

Bill text versions

Past committee meetings

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 01, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toJudiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Conditions for the dismissal of felony charges after finding incompetence."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous broad requirements for charge dismissal solely on finding of incompetence."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the conditions under which criminal charges must be dismissed for incompetent defendants.",
      "modified": [
        "Timeframes and conditions for dismissing charges based on severity and type."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611.45",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Forensic navigator monitoring as a part of pretrial supervision."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Exclusive use of direct court supervision for compliance."
      ],
      "summary": "Changes to pretrial supervision for incompetent defendants are outlined under this statute.",
      "modified": [
        "Supervision responsibilities extended to forensic navigators."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611.46",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Bridge plans for defendants unlikely to attain competence soon."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Mandatory ongoing participation in competency programs."
      ],
      "summary": "Outlines procedure if a defendant is unlikely to regain competency.",
      "modified": [
        "Conditions under which cases should be dismissed for persistent incompetence."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611.49",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Review hearings and responsibility for ongoing monitoring."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Indeterminate length of supervision."
      ],
      "summary": "Details the process for continued supervision or monitoring of incompetent defendants.",
      "modified": [
        "Requirements and processes for review and dismissal motions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611.49",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines crimes of violence for the purposes of legal statutes.",
      "modified": [
        "Application to exceptions where charges may not be dismissed."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.712",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  }
]

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