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SF2099 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Victim notification extension to order for protection and harassment restraining order violations not prosecuted

Related bill: HF1998

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota’s public safety statutes to improve victim notification and support services, particularly concerning domestic abuse, harassment, stalking, and violations of protective and restraining orders. Key provisions include:

  1. Enhanced Victim Notification:

    • Expands the requirement for law enforcement and prosecutors to notify victims when charges related to violations of orders for protection or harassment restraining orders are not pursued.
    • Updates the model notices distributed to victims, informing them of their rights, available resources, and options for legal protection.

  2. Improved Victim Services Information:

    • Law enforcement officers must provide immediate written and oral notice to victims regarding available shelters and legal remedies.
    • Notifications should include information about restraining orders, custody options, and financial support from abusers when applicable.
    • Specific supplemental notices are required for homicide cases, informing victims’ families of their rights and available resources.

  3. Prosecutor Responsibilities:

    • Prosecutors are required to make reasonable efforts to notify victims when they decide to decline or dismiss charges in cases involving domestic assault, sexual offenses, harassment, or protective order violations.
    • If charges are dismissed, prosecutors must document the specific reasons, especially when it involves an unavailable witness.
    • Victims must receive guidance on obtaining protective or restraining orders at no cost.

  4. Juvenile Court Notifications:

    • Victims of juveniles accused of offenses must be informed about their rights, court procedures, and case information.

  5. Use of Existing Resources:

    • Law enforcement and prosecutors' offices can use their current supply of notices before updating them to reflect the new requirements.

Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency, ensure victims are well-informed about their rights and legal options, and improve coordination between law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim support services.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
SenateNoteActionHF substituted in committee

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new requirement for supplemental notice distribution in homicide cases."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Updates notification requirements for victims' rights under section 611A.02.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies methods of distributing victims' rights notifications.",
        "Updates rights information to be shared with victims."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611A.02"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies the notice of rights provided to victims by peace officers under section 629.341 subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Improves clarity on the legal rights and remedies available to victims of domestic violence."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "629.341"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Mentions privacy considerations for victims under section 13.82 subdivision 17.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "13.82"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refers to provisions regarding orders for protection in domestic abuse cases under section 518B.01 subdivision 14.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "518B.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References harassment restraining order provisions under section 609.748 subdivision 6.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.748"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines harassment or stalking under section 609.749.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.749"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides the definition of assault under section 609.02 subdivision 10.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.02"
  }
]

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