HF 1998 Minnesota House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Victim notification to order for protection and harassment restraining order violations not prosecuted extended, and victim notification requirements clarified and updated for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.

HF 1998 clarifies and updates victim notification procedures for law enforcement and prosecutors when cases involving domestic assault, criminal sexual conduct, harassment, stalking, or violations of protection orders are not prosecuted. The bill requires prosecutors to notify victims via phone first, then email or mail, and to document dismissal reasons - especially if a witness is unavailable - while also informing victims about obtaining protection orders without fees. It updates the model notices that must be provided to victims at initial contact and after charges, including current information on victim services, reparations, and support resources. These changes standardize and improve communication to ensure victims consistently understand their rights and available assistance.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 6, 2025 Last action Apr 7, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction 1st Engrossment · 4 edits · Mar 20, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was updated from its introduction to its first engrossment, reflecting changes made during the legislative review process. The most significant policy change is the addition of the state address confidentiality program to the list of resources that must be shared with crime victims, expanding the support available to victims. Minor wording adjustments were also made to clarify when initial notices must be provided and to refine the description of victim rights during prosecution.
Scope change
The scope of victim assistance resources was expanded to include the state address confidentiality program.
REQUIREMENT

Added the state address confidentiality program as a required resource to be informed to crime victims.

Clarified that initial victim notices must be distributed at the scene of the crime or when the victim makes a report.

Refined the language regarding victim rights to include notification of charges, participation in prosecution, and restitution requests.

TECHNICAL

Updated document titles and posting dates to reflect the bill's progression to its first engrossment.

Floor votes · House Apr 3, 2025

How they voted

1310
Passed
Total votes 131
Apr 3, 2025
D Democratic66
66 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican65
65 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Apr 7, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
upper
Apr 7, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
Apr 7, 2025
Introduced
Received from House
upper
Apr 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
Bill was passed
lower
Mar 20, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report, to adopt as amended
lower
Mar 6, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors