Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to enhance public safety by imposing restrictions on specific sex offenders, particularly regarding their use of social media platforms. The bill aims to prevent individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses against minors from interacting with minors online through social media.

Main Provisions

• Restriction on Social Media Use: The bill mandates that sex offenders who have committed offenses against victims under the age of 18 are prohibited from using social media platforms where minors can be members or interact with others.

• Disclosure Requirements: Offenders must provide their parole or probation agents with all details pertaining to their social media accounts, including usernames and passwords.

• List of Social Media Platforms: The commissioner is responsible for creating and updating annually a list of social media platforms that offenders are prohibited from accessing. This list will be published on the agency's public website and shared with all parole and probation officers in the state.

• Definitions: The bill defines a "social media platform" as an electronic medium, either browser-based or via an application, which allows the creation, sharing, and viewing of user-generated content. This excludes internet search providers, email services, streaming video services, and business communication technologies.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 243.055 by adding new restrictions and requirements aimed at sex offenders. These amendments focus on limiting the offenders' social media interactions, particularly in platforms accessible to minors.

Relevant Terms

• Social media platforms
• Sex offenders
• Parole
• Probation
• User-generated content
• Minors
• Public safety