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HF1573 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Law on retroactive relief clarified for certain felony murders.

Related bill: SF1609

AI Generated Summary

This bill clarifies Minnesota law regarding retroactive relief for individuals convicted under certain felony murder statutes. It amends prior legislation to specify the conditions under which a petitioner may seek relief and the procedures for resentencing.

Key Provisions: 1. Eligibility for Relief:
- A person convicted of felony murder under Minnesota Statutes, Section 609.185(a)(3) or Section 609.19, Subdivision 2(1) may seek relief if they can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that: - They did not cause the death of a person. - They did not intentionally aid, conspire to cause, or procure another person to cause the death.

  1. Procedure if Relief is Granted:

    • If the petitioner qualifies, the court shall vacate the felony murder conviction and may:
      1. Resentence the petitioner for the most serious remaining offense.
      2. Enter a conviction and sentence for any predicate felony linked to the original conviction.
      3. Enter a conviction and sentence for a lesser included offense (requires a court hearing).
    • The new sentence must reflect the most serious predicate felony unless a more serious conviction remains.

  2. Additional Sentencing Considerations:

    • If relief is granted and the petitioner had consecutive sentences impacted by the vacated conviction, the court may adjust the criminal history score and modify related sentences accordingly.
    • Victim Notification: Prosecutors must make a reasonable effort to notify victims, who may submit a statement before sentencing adjustments.

  3. Limits on Increased Sentences:

    • The resentencing cannot increase the total period of confinement or supervision.
    • Adjustments to consecutive sentences can be made only if a change in criminal history score justifies it, but total confinement cannot increase.

  4. Additional Provisions:

    • Relief under this law does not qualify as an exoneration under the Incarceration and Exoneration Remedies Act.
    • If a new conviction is entered, the court must maintain the original conviction date and correct inconsistencies if necessary.

Overall Impact:
This bill provides a legal mechanism for individuals previously convicted under felony murder statutes to seek resentencing if they were not directly responsible for the death. The law ensures that sentencing remains fair, accounts for criminal history, and protects the rights of victims in the legal process.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 09, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the criteria by which petitioners can seek relief."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill provides modifications for obtaining relief from convictions under section 609.185.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments are made in determining the extent of involvement in causing death."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.185",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provides guidelines for resentencing to lesser offenses."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Changes the conditions under which individuals convicted under section 609.19 can seek legal relief.",
      "modified": [
        "Details how involvement in the felony relates to eligibility for relief."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.19",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Ensures victims are informed and can participate in resentencing hearings."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill integrates victim notification and participation as outlined in section 611A.038.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611A.038",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors