Minneslate Logo

SF1609 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Law on retroactive relief clarification for certain felony murders

Related bill: HF1573

AI Generated Summary

This bill clarifies the process for retroactive relief for individuals convicted under certain felony murder statutes in Minnesota. Specifically, it amends the existing law to outline criteria under which a petitioner may be entitled to relief if they can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that they did not cause a death or did not act with extreme indifference to human life.

Key provisions of the bill include:

  • A petitioner convicted under Minnesota Statutes §609.185(a)(3) (felony murder rule) can seek relief if they did not directly cause the death and did not aid or conspire with intent to cause death.
  • A petitioner convicted under Minnesota Statutes §609.19, subd. 2(1) (second-degree unintentional felony murder) can seek relief if they were not a major participant in the underlying felony or did not act with extreme indifference to human life.
  • If the court determines the petitioner is not eligible for relief, the petition is denied.
  • If eligible, the court must:
    • Vacate the original felony murder conviction.
    • Resentence the petitioner for the most serious remaining offense.
    • Enter a conviction and impose a sentence for any predicate felony related to the case.
    • If applicable, impose a sentence for any lesser included offense.
  • The court must hold hearings when determining the appropriate conviction or sentence, giving victims an opportunity to provide statements.
  • Resentencing cannot increase the total incarceration period but may modify consecutive sentences based on recalculated criminal history scores.
  • Time served under the vacated conviction is credited toward any new sentence.
  • Relief under this law is not considered an exoneration under the Incarceration and Exoneration Remedies Act.
  • The date of the new conviction must align with the original conviction date to maintain consistency.

Overall, the bill ensures individuals convicted under outdated felony murder doctrines can seek retroactive sentence modifications or relief while maintaining proper legal procedures.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on qualifying criteria for relief regarding felony murders not directly caused by the petitioner."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides conditions under which a petitioner convicted under section 609.185 may obtain retroactive relief from the courts.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.185"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies petitioner's eligibility for relief based on their role in the felony.",
        "Adds procedure for resentencing in cases where the death was not caused by the petitioner."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Outlines conditions for relief for those convicted under section 609.19 with effector status on lesser involvement.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.19"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Court hearings required for conviction under lesser included offenses."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Addresses procedures for entering a conviction for a lesser included offense under section 631.14.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "631.14"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Mandates victim notification and the right to submit statements during hearings."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Victim involvement in sentencing hearings under section 611A.038 is ensured.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "611A.038"
  }
]

Sponsors