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HF1594 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Conservation officers prohibited from conducting searches or seizures without a warrant or court order, and receipts to be provided to persons from whom property is seized required.

Related bill: SF956

AI Generated Summary

This bill, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives by Representatives Murphy and Backer, seeks to amend existing laws related to searches and seizures conducted by conservation officers. The primary provisions of the bill include:

  1. Restricting Searches and Seizures – Conservation officers may only conduct searches or seizures under certain conditions:

    • When authorized by a warrant or court order.
    • When necessary to prevent imminent danger to human life.
    • When an individual consents to the search or seizure.

  2. Requiring Receipts for Seized Property – Any property seized by a conservation officer must be accompanied by a receipt provided to the person from whom the property was taken.

  3. Aligning Authority with General Law Enforcement Standards – Any legal provisions granting conservation officers the same authority as peace officers must be interpreted in accordance with the restrictions outlined in this bill.

  4. Amending Multiple Statutes – The bill modifies several sections of Minnesota law, including those governing:

    • The seizure of off-highway vehicles.
    • The confiscation of snowmobiles used in burglaries.
    • The seizure of illegally taken wildlife and related equipment.
    • The forfeiture of firearms and other property.
    • The confiscation of motor vehicles used in specific game and fish violations.

  5. Clarifying Procedures for Seized Property – The bill ensures that seized property, including fish houses or dark houses left on the ice past the legal removal date, is handled through the appropriate legal channels instead of being summarily destroyed without documentation.

Overall, this legislation aims to impose stricter limits on searches and seizures by conservation officers, reinforcing due process protections for individuals while ensuring transparency in the handling of confiscated property.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for receipt upon seizure.",
        "Provision for property seizure without process under certain conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modification of off-highway vehicle seizure laws under section 84.7741.",
      "modified": [
        "References to processes for seizure updated to align with section 84.0287."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.7741",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Altered guidelines for confiscating snowmobiles used in burglaries under section 84.89.",
      "modified": [
        "Requirement to follow the order of the district court for confiscating snowmobiles related to burglaries."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.89",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Seizure provisions include aquatic vegetation."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Revised provisions for seizure and confiscation under section 97A.221.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies items subject to seizure based on value."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.221",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Adjusted rules for property subject to seizure and forfeiture under section 97A.223.",
      "modified": [
        "Inclusion of seizure basis pursuant to section 84.0287."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.223",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Updated seizure protocols for vehicles and equipment in section 97A.225.",
      "modified": [
        "Adds provisions for netting fish violations and motor vehicle seizure related to wildlife violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.225",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement to provide a receipt upon firearm seizure."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modification of firearm seizure under section 97B.021.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns firearm seizure processes consistent with section 84.0287."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Revises dates and enforcement provisions for ice shelters under section 97C.355.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjust enforcement dates for shelters on ice."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97C.355",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  }
]

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