Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to amend the laws governing the postconviction relief process in Minnesota. It provides individuals convicted of a crime or who received a stay of adjudication the opportunity to petition the court for relief from their criminal judgments under specific conditions.

Main Provisions

• Petition for Relief: The bill allows individuals who believe their conviction or stay of adjudication violated their constitutional rights or believe there is new scientific evidence proving their innocence, to petition the district court for relief. This can include vacating the conviction, resentencing, or granting a new trial.
• Fingerprints and DNA Testing: Individuals can request fingerprint or forensic DNA testing on evidence from their trial if such testing methods were unavailable at the time. The court will order testing when the request meets specific criteria related to identity issues at trial and preservation of evidence integrity.
• Eligible Cases: The bill applies to cases where newly discovered evidence or a significant change in law justifies reconsideration. It specifically mentions cases involving crimes committed before May 1, 1980, under certain conditions.
• Time Limit for Petitions: Generally, petitions must be filed within two years of the final judgment or appellate decision. Exceptions are made for cases involving physical or mental disabilities, new evidence, or new interpretations of constitutional law.
• Exceptions to Time Limits: The bill outlines specific circumstances under which the court may consider petitions filed beyond this two-year limit, emphasizing situations involving new evidence or interpretations of law.

Significant Changes

• This bill modifies Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 590.01 to clarify and potentially expand the circumstances under which individuals can seek postconviction relief.
• It establishes specific criteria for when forensic testing can be requested and emphasizes the exclusive nature of this legal pathway, replacing previous remedies unless deemed inadequate or ineffective.

Relevant Terms

• Postconviction relief
• Stay of adjudication
• Conviction
• Fingerprint testing
• DNA testing
• Innocence
• Judicial petition
• Retroactive application
• Newly discovered evidence