HF2999 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Ability of court to order fine in delinquency proceeding or juvenile major water or traffic offender proceeding eliminated.
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to reform the juvenile justice system in Minnesota by eliminating the court's discretion to impose fines on juveniles in delinquency and major traffic or water offender proceedings. The intent is likely to reduce the financial burden on young offenders and their families while focusing on rehabilitative measures.
Main Provisions
- Elimination of Fines: Courts will no longer have the authority to order juveniles to pay fines in delinquency proceedings or when they are adjudicated as major highway or water traffic offenders.
- Alternative Measures: The bill emphasizes non-financial penalties such as counseling, community service, probation, restitution, and treatment programs for substance abuse for juvenile offenders.
- The court can still recommend the cancellation of a juvenile's driver's license for serious offenses and mandate participation in drug awareness or other rehabilitation programs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Removal of Financial Penalties: Juveniles previously could be fined up to $1,000 in delinquency cases and for major traffic or water offenses. This bill removes these financial penalties.
- Focus on Rehabilitation: The bill redirects the focus of juvenile punishment from financial penalties to rehabilitation and corrective measures, which include mandatory drug assessments, community service, school enrollment requirements, and other personalized treatment options.
Relevant Terms
juvenile delinquency, fines, rehabilitation, probation, community service, restitution, driver's license suspension, chemical dependency assessment, juvenile justice reform
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Judiciary Finance and Civil Law |
Citations
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"Eliminates ability of court to order fine in delinquency proceeding."
],
"summary": "This section of the bill addresses the court's ability to make dispositional orders in cases of delinquency.",
"modified": [
"Renumbers certain options for dispositional orders."
]
},
"citation": "260B.198",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
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"Eliminates ability of court to order fines."
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"summary": "This section of the bill addresses dispositions for juvenile major highway or water traffic offenders.",
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"Renumbers certain options for dispositions."
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},
"citation": "260B.225",
"subdivision": "subdivision 9"
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{
"analysis": {
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"Eliminates ability of court to order fines."
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"Renumbers certain options for dispositional orders."
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"citation": "260B.235",
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