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SF2826 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Petition to court for relief from stay of adjudication authorization provision

Related bill: HF2521

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill seeks to amend the process by which individuals in Minnesota can seek relief from a conviction or stay of adjudication through postconviction relief petitions. It aims to provide a legal pathway for individuals to challenge their convictions, particularly when new evidence or a violation of rights is identified.

Main Provisions

  • Postconviction Relief: Individuals who believe their conviction or stay of adjudication violated their legal rights or who have new scientific evidence proving innocence can petition the court.
  • Fingerprint and DNA Testing: The bill allows for motions to perform new forensic tests, such as DNA analysis, that were unavailable during the original trial. This can be pivotal in cases where technological advancements have occurred.
  • Chain of Custody: The bill requires that the integrity of evidence for such testing is maintained and proven untampered.
  • Retroactive Relief: Individuals can seek relief based on significant changes in law that should be applied retrospectively, such as new legal interpretations or procedural changes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Time Limits for Filing Petitions: Establishes a two-year deadline for filing postconviction relief petitions, either from the date of conviction or from the conclusion of an appeal. However, exceptions are made for cases involving disability, new evidence, or changes in law.
  • Expanded Relief Options: The bill provides conditions under which an appellate court can stay a case, allowing the district court to conduct an evidentiary hearing for the petitioner.

Relevant Terms

  • Postconviction relief
  • Stay of adjudication
  • Actual innocence
  • Fingerprint/DNA testing
  • Chain of custody
  • Retroactive application
  • Newly discovered evidence
  • Appellate relief

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provision for relief from stay of adjudication."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the conditions under which petitions for relief from convictions or stays of adjudication can be made under section 590.01.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on the conditions for filing a petition and the procedures that must be followed."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "590.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

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