HF2167

HF2167 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Domestic violence-related offense release decisions required to be on the record.

AI Generated Summary

This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 629.72, subdivision 2, to require courts to make release decisions on the record regarding persons arrested for certain domestic violence-related offenses. It mandates that judges review arrest details, consider the victim’s account, and assess whether the defendant poses a threat or is likely to fail to appear in court. Judges must explicitly state their findings on these factors before releasing an accused individual.

The bill allows courts to impose conditions of release, such as prohibiting contact with the victim, ordering the defendant to stay away from specific locations, banning firearm possession, and restricting alcohol or drug use. Additionally, if a no-contact condition is imposed, the judge may issue a temporary restraining or protective order lasting until the case is resolved, with the defendant entitled to a hearing within seven days upon request.

The court administrator is responsible for immediately distributing the conditional release order to law enforcement, ensuring compliance, and informing the victim while prioritizing their safety.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 11, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
March 11, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A requirement for judges to make specific findings on the record before releasing a person arrested for domestic abuse-related offenses."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 629.72, subdivision 2, to require judges to make release decisions on the record for persons arrested for certain domestic violence-related offenses.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the factors judges must consider in release decisions concerning domestic violence cases."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "629.72",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Empowers judges to issue temporary restraining orders as a condition of release."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill allows judges to issue temporary restraining orders under section 609.748, subdivision 4.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.748",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The legislation refers to hearings on restraining orders under section 609.748, subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the timeframe for holding a hearing on restraining orders."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.748",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Permits ex parte temporary orders for protection as a release condition."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill allows for temporary orders for protection under section 518B.01, subdivision 7.",
      "modified": [
        "Extends the effectiveness of temporary orders until case resolution."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "518B.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  }
]