SF1055

SF1055 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Domestic abuse advocates prohibition from disclosing certain information

Related bill: HF1083

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 1055 is a legislative proposal that aims to protect the confidentiality of communications between domestic abuse victims and their advocates. The bill seeks to amend section 595.02 of Minnesota’s statutes to ensure that advocates are prohibited from disclosing any information or opinions they receive from or about victims, unless they have the victim's consent or are ordered by a court to do so.

The intent behind this amendment is to safeguard the privacy of domestic abuse victims, enhance the trust in relationships between victims and their advocates, and ensure that victims feel secure in seeking help and support. By weighing the public interest and the potential harm to the victim, the bill tries to balance the need for confidentiality with legal obligations, ensuring that any decision to compel disclosure considers the implications it might have on the victim and the support services provided.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 05, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 05, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Judiciary and Public Safety

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Defines non-disclosure obligations for domestic abuse advocates."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removal noted in text"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill addresses amendments to witness competency and privilege in legal proceedings under section 595.02.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts conditions under which certain professionals, including clergy and counselors, can maintain client confidentiality."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "595.02"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification added for domestic abuse advocates' obligations regarding mandatory reporting."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removal noted in text"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill clarifies compliance requirements under section 626.557 for mandatory reporting obligations.",
      "modified": [
        "Emphasizes the need for compliance with existing reporting obligations for certain professionals."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "626.557"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Further compliance highlights for domestic abuse advocates regarding child protection policies."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removal noted in text"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references adherence to reporting requirements under chapter 260E related to child protection.",
      "modified": [
        "Strengthens language on compliance with child protection laws."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260E"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Defines 'domestic abuse advocate' within the context of eligibility for grants."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removal noted in text"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill specifies eligibility criteria for programs receiving grants under section 611A.32.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of eligible entities under section 611A.32."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611A.32"
  }
]