HF3233

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to change how name changes are handled for individuals who are classified as risk level III predatory offenders in Minnesota. It is designed to enhance public safety by making certain name change information about these offenders publicly accessible.

Main Provisions

• Public Information Requirement: The name change of a risk level III predatory offender must be disclosed to the public. The court granting the name change must report it to the Department of Corrections, the state patrol, and the local law enforcement agency where the offender lives.
• Criminal History Check: When someone applies for a name change, the court must check their criminal history. If the applicant has a criminal record, the name change must be reported to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension within ten days.
• Duty to Report: Both the court and the individual receiving a name change are required to report the change. Failure to do so results in a gross misdemeanor charge.
• Exceptions: The requirement to report does not apply to name changes related to marriage, marriage dissolution, or those filed under a specific section of the law, except for risk level III offenders.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Prohibition on Name Change: A risk level III predatory offender cannot change their name if it would relieve them of their registration duties as a predatory offender.

Relevant Terms

• Risk level III predatory offender
• Public safety
• Name change reporting
• Criminal history
• Department of Corrections
• Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
• Gross misdemeanor