SF956

SF956 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Searches and seizures without a warrant or court order by conservation officers prohibition and requiring receipts to be provided for persons from whom property is seized

Related bill: HF1594

AI Generated Summary

This legislative bill aims to regulate the actions of conservation officers in Minnesota, particularly concerning their capacity to conduct searches and seizures. The key points of the bill are:

Conservation officers are prohibited from conducting searches or seizures without:
- A warrant or court order issued by a court with the appropriate jurisdiction.
- Situations that involve preventing imminent danger to human life.
- The explicit consent of the person being searched or whose property is being seized.
If property is seized, the officer must provide a receipt to the person from whom the property is taken. This adds a layer of accountability and clear documentation of the seizure.
The bill also provides specific conditions under which certain vehicles (like off-highway vehicles or snowmobiles) and equipment can be seized, particularly when they are used illegally in ways that violate existing laws related to wildlife, fishing, and natural resources.
The proposed legislation makes amendments to various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to ensure that seizures by conservation officers are consistent with the updated provisions.
In addition to seizure conditions, the bill outlines procedures for the disposal of seized items, including the confiscation and appropriate distribution or disposal of proceeds from sold items.
Specific amendments to existing laws clarify the rules under which shelters, like fish houses, must not be left unattended during certain times, and how violations concerning these rules are handled, including the potential confiscation of such shelters.

In essence, the bill seeks to ensure that searches and seizures by conservation officers are conducted lawfully, with necessary judicial oversight, and that property owners are afforded certain protections and rights in the event of a seizure.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies procedure for seizure of off-highway vehicles without process."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No longer requires receipt placement if not reasonably possible."
      ],
      "summary": "Modifies circumstances under which off-highway vehicles may be seized.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates to align with section 84.0287."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.7741"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "References authority under section 84.0287."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous non-referenced authority description."
      ],
      "summary": "Relates to the confiscation of snowmobiles used in burglaries.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns confiscation procedure post-conviction with section 97A.225."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.89"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes new item seizure descriptions under section 84.0287 authority."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Prior seizure conditions less explicitly tied to section 84."
      ],
      "summary": "Adjusts rules for seizing property related to game and fish law violations.",
      "modified": [
        "Distinguishes items under $1000 value regarding section 97A.225."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.221"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Administrative forfeiture procedures included."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Non-administrative forfeiture paths."
      ],
      "summary": "Concerns seizure of firearms and other property for forfeiture.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns procedures with section 84.0287."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.223"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New situations for boat and motor seizures specified."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "General seizure conditions previously in place."
      ],
      "summary": "Details on the seizure of vehicles used in game and fish law violations.",
      "modified": [
        "Adds section 84.0287 as an authority reference."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.225"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Details on tagging and custody of seized firearms."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Non-tagging procedure descriptions."
      ],
      "summary": "Discusses seizure of unlawfully possessed firearms.",
      "modified": [
        "Enforcement officer detail changes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.021"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "House or shelter disposal methods detailed."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Prior vague confiscation terms."
      ],
      "summary": "Enforcement of prohibited shelter dates on ice.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns rule-making authority with commissioner."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97C.355"
  }
]