Minneslate Logo

SF3376 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Certain exonerated individuals preliminary monetary damages payment authorization provision, exoneration compensation account in the special revenue fund establishment provision, and appropriation

Related bill: HF3000

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide preliminary monetary compensation to individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and subsequently exonerated. It establishes a financial mechanism to ensure timely compensation for these individuals.

Main Provisions

  • Compensation for Exonerated Individuals: The bill allows for preliminary monetary damages to be paid to those who have been exonerated when a prosecutor agrees that the original charges would not have been initiated with full knowledge of the circumstances.

  • Exoneration Compensation Account: Establishes a special fund to handle the financial aspects of compensation. The account is designed to provide funds specifically for paying preliminary monetary damages.

  • Calculation of Damages: Exonerated individuals are entitled to $5,000 for each year of incarceration and $2,500 for each year on supervised release or as a registered predatory offender. These amounts are adjusted for partial years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Prosecutor's Role: The prosecutor’s decision to join the petition conclusively establishes an individual's eligibility for compensation, bypassing further legal proceedings.

  • Preliminary Payment Process: A new provision enables prompt payment of preliminary damages, contributing to a quicker financial remedy for those wrongfully convicted.

  • Creation and Funding of a Dedicated Account: The bill mandates the creation of an exoneration compensation account within the state treasury to facilitate these payouts, ensuring that funds are specifically allocated for this purpose.

Relevant Terms

  • Exoneration
  • Compensation
  • Wrongful conviction
  • Monetary damages
  • Special revenue fund
  • Prosecutor
  • Predatory offender

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Criteria for prosecutor joinder and automatic eligibility for compensation."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends eligibility criteria for compensation based on exoneration in the interests of justice under section 590.11.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies prosecutor's role in determining eligibility."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "590.11",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referencing petitions and procedures under section 590.04.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the burden of proof and procedures applicable for exoneration compensation."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "590.04",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Exclusion of preliminary monetary damages from subdivision 8."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation amends the section on notice and acceptance of damages award under section 611.365.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates notification and acceptance procedures for damage awards."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "611.365",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  }
]

Sponsors