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HF1397 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Use of sign and release warrants made optional.

AI Generated Summary

This bill seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 629.415, Subdivision 5, regarding sign and release warrants. The proposed changes would make the use of such warrants optional for law enforcement officers.

Key provisions of the bill include: - When a peace officer encounters a defendant with a sign and release warrant, the officer must inform the defendant of the missed court appearance. - The officer may issue a new written notice with a time to appear. This notice must include the court file or warrant number, and the defendant may be asked to sign an acknowledgment, though signing is not required. - The officer must release the defendant at the scene if notice is given. - After issuing the notice, the officer must take steps to inactivate the warrant and submit an update to the court's electronic filing system, including the defendant's contact information and confirmation of notice delivery.

The bill effectively gives law enforcement more discretion in handling sign and release warrants, rather than requiring them to always issue such notices.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows peace officers discretion in issuing new notices for court appearances."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the duties of law enforcement regarding sign and release warrants under section 629.415, subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the requirements for notification and acknowledgment procedures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "629.415",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  }
]

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