This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.101, subdivision 2, regarding the allocation of fines imposed on individuals convicted of certain violent and sexual offenses. The amendment specifically includes children's advocacy centers as eligible victim assistance programs that can receive a portion of these fines.

Key aspects of the bill: - Courts must impose a fine ranging from 30% of the maximum fine to the full maximum fine allowed by law for specific offenses. - 70% of the fine collected will be directed to a local victim assistance program in the county where the crime occurred. - 30% of the fine will go to the state’s general fund via the commissioner of management and budget. - If multiple victim assistance programs serve the county, the court may designate which program receives the funds, based on factors such as the crime type and victims served. - If no qualifying program exists in a county, 100% of the fine proceeds will go to the state’s general fund. - Fine proceeds must be used for direct victim services. - The bill expands the definition of a "victim assistance program" to explicitly include children’s advocacy centers, in addition to already recognized programs like victim-witness programs, crisis centers, battered women's shelters, and sexual assault programs.

Purpose of the Bill:

This amendment ensures that children’s advocacy centers, which provide critical services to child victims, can benefit from fine proceeds collected from offenders.