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HF1998 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Victim notification to order for protection and harassment restraining order violations not prosecuted extended, and victim notification requirements clarified and updated for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.

Related bill: SF2099

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota statutes related to victim notification and victim rights in cases of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, and violations of protection orders. Key provisions include:

  1. Expanded Victim Notifications

    • Extends victim notification requirements to cases involving violations of orders for protection and harassment restraining orders, even if they are not prosecuted.
    • Clarifies and updates victim notification procedures for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.

  2. Amendments to Victim Notification Requirements

    • Requires peace officers to provide victims with updated notices about their rights, legal remedies, and available victim services.
    • Ensures that victims receive information electronically or in paper form regarding their rights, protection options, and restitution opportunities.
    • Mandates supplemental notices for homicide cases with specific resources for victims.

  3. Prosecutor Responsibilities

    • Prosecutors must notify victims when they decide not to pursue charges or dismiss cases related to domestic assault, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking.
    • Victims must be informed about their right to seek orders for protection or harassment restraining orders without fees.
    • Prosecutors must document reasons for dismissing cases, particularly if denial is based on the victim’s unavailability.

  4. Law Enforcement Responsibilities

    • Law enforcement officers must orally inform victims about available shelters and services.
    • Officers must provide victims with immediate written notices about their rights and potential legal protections, including restraining orders and child custody implications.
    • Changes allow agencies to use existing printed materials before adopting updated notices.

Overall, the bill seeks to enhance victim protection and improve transparency by ensuring victims are fully informed of their rights and legal options in cases of domestic violence, harassment, and related offenses.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionReceived from House
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional information requirements for peace officers in the initial contact notice."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amends requirements for notification of crime victim services and rights under section 611A.02.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates language to include electronic distribution of notices."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611A.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requires written notice to include local shelter information and resources."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modifies notification of victim rights in cases of domestic violence under section 629.341.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies requirements for oral notifications by peace officers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "629.341",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

Sponsors