Criminal Justice (Courts)

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 7, 2026

HF 3946: Law enforcement agencies required to report information in domestic abuse cases, arrests for suspected nonfelony domestic abuse authorized, person arrested for suspected domestic abuse required to be held in custody until the person's first court appearance, Task Force on Improving Responses to Domestic Violence Crimes established, annual reports required, and money appropriated.

This bill requires Minnesota law enforcement agencies to report detailed information about domestic abuse incidents to the commissioner of public safety by January 15 each year, including data on arrests, victim and suspect demographics, and case outcomes. It authorizes arrests for suspected nonfelony domestic abuse and mandates that individuals arrested for suspected domestic abuse be held in custody until their first court appearance. The legislation also establishes a Task Force on Improving Responses to Domestic Violence Crimes to study and recommend improvements, with the requirement to submit annual reports. Additionally, the bill expands the legal definition of domestic abuse to include violations of various restraining and no contact orders, and appropriates funding to support these changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances law enforcement accountability, authorizes arrests for suspected domestic abuse, and establishes oversight through reporting requirements and task force.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

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signed · Minnesota · House Jul 1, 2026

HF 3970: Remedy to extinguish a joint interest in a contract for deed of a perpetrator of domestic abuse or sexual assault established.

This bill creates a legal process in Minnesota that allows victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault to remove a perpetrator's ownership interest from a contract for deed on residential property. The law enables unmarried victims who share an interest in such contracts to petition a court to extinguish the perpetrator's claim, provided they submit proof of abuse such as a protection order, law enforcement documentation, or a verified statement from a qualified professional like a healthcare provider or domestic abuse advocate. Once the petition is filed, the perpetrator and property seller have 90 days to contest the request, after which a court may issue an order removing the perpetrator's interest from the property agreement. The legislation directly affects victims of abuse who hold shared ownership in contracts for deed and their abusive partners, offering a streamlined path to secure housing without the perpetrator's involvement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault by allowing removal of perpetrator's property interest, enhancing victim safety and justice.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects vulnerable tenants by allowing abuse victims to remove perpetrators' ownership interests, strengthening tenant protections and housing security.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SF 4777: Human services background studies and variances modifications, human services licensing procedures clarification provision, and program integrity provisions

This bill modifies Minnesota's human services background study and licensing procedures to strengthen program integrity and fraud prevention. It clarifies definitions for terms like "convicted" and "credible allegation of fraud," which now includes verified complaints, data mining results, audit patterns, and court documents. The legislation allows law enforcement to delay background check notifications for up to 90 days when an investigation could be compromised, and it expands the commissioner's authority to withhold payments from providers or associated entities involved in fraud or criminal convictions. These changes apply to individuals and organizations receiving payments from state or federal human services programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens program integrity and fraud prevention in human services, clarifies definitions for convictions, and allows law enforcement to delay background checks to protect investigations, supporting criminal justice system integrity.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SF 4257: Victim of domestic violence authorization to petition a court for an order releasing the victim from a shared wireless plan provision

This bill allows victims of domestic violence in Minnesota to ask a court for a specific order that removes them from a shared wireless phone plan with their abuser. The legislation amends existing state laws to add this relief option to the list of protections available in domestic violence restraining orders. By including this provision, the bill aims to help victims reduce contact with their abusers and improve their safety without needing to terminate the entire phone service. The court would issue this order upon request and after a hearing, making it part of the broader set of protections already available to domestic violence victims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim protection in domestic violence cases by adding wireless plan removal to restraining orders, enhancing public safety and victim support within the criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 12, 2026

HF 4150: Delegation of power by parent or guardian restricted.

This bill restricts how parents and guardians in Minnesota can delegate their legal authority over a child's care, custody, or property to another person. It requires that anyone receiving delegated powers must be a U.S. citizen and have no criminal convictions for crimes against minors. The law also mandates that parents notify other parents about power delegations unless specific exceptions apply, such as limited parenting time or existing protection orders. Professional guardians face stricter rules, including a 30-day limit on delegation and a requirement to submit the delegation to the court.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts delegation of parental authority to individuals with criminal convictions against minors, enhancing child protection and limiting potential abuse by those with criminal records.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SF 4167: Certain state officials security and protective services provision and appropriation

This bill authorizes the Minnesota State Patrol to provide security and protective services to the governor, governor-elect, supreme court justices, legislators, and other constitutional officers when credible threats to their safety are identified. It requires the commissioner of public safety to consult with the governor before deploying State Patrol members for protection duties and allows for overtime compensation for those providing security services. The legislation also creates a new Capitol Complex Security Division within the Department of Public Safety, placing it under the supervision of a director who must be a State Patrol member. Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Patrol provide security to state buildings and property as needed after consultation with the governor.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes security services for state officials and includes appropriation language, indicating funding allocation for public safety services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances security for law enforcement and judicial officials, strengthening public safety infrastructure and protecting constitutional officers.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Courts

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in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 12, 2026

HF 4205: Automated license plate reader data restrictions enhanced, data centralized in Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and use of automated license plate readers by private entities regulated.

This bill strengthens regulations on automated license plate readers in Minnesota by centralizing all collected data within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and restricting how law enforcement agencies can access and use it. It defines automated license plate readers to include devices used by private entities that share data with law enforcement, while excluding traffic safety cameras. The law requires that collected data be limited to license plate numbers, vehicle information, and images, and mandates that data not tied to active criminal investigations be destroyed within 48 hours unless preserved by request. Additionally, the bill establishes strict access controls requiring written authorization, role-based permissions, and audit trails for all data queries, while prohibiting sharing data outside Minnesota without a court order or warrant.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability and protects civil rights by regulating automated license plate readers and centralizing data oversight.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy protections for automated license plate readers by centralizing data and restricting law enforcement access, aligning with privacy and digital rights indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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signed · Minnesota · House May 5, 2026

HF 3827: Grants from Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to local law enforcement clarified as reimbursements, law related to recording of crimes updated, process for determining how certain criminal records are ineligible for sealing established, and court required to provide order for protection for access by law enforcement.

This bill clarifies that funds provided by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to local law enforcement agencies are reimbursements rather than grants, which changes how these agencies must account for and report the money. It updates crime recording requirements to align with federal standards and establishes a new process for determining when certain criminal records cannot be sealed. The legislation also creates a witness and victim protection fund to help individuals involved in criminal prosecutions with relocation, housing, and other support services, while requiring courts to provide law enforcement access to protection orders. Local law enforcement officials will need to submit detailed reports on how they use these funds, including information about arrests, seized items, and expenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by clarifying funding accounting, updating crime recording to federal standards, establishing record sealing processes, and creating victim/witness protection funds.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SF 4409: Conditional medical release expansion to include geriatric and nonmedical release provision

This bill expands Minnesota's conditional medical release program to include geriatric release for older incarcerated individuals and family caregiver release for those caring for incapacitated relatives. It establishes specific eligibility criteria, such as age and time served requirements for geriatric release, and mandates medical reviews and supervision conditions for those granted release. The legislation also creates a new category for extraordinary and compelling circumstances, requiring written decisions within 30 days and allowing applicants to seek court review if denied. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to maintain a public database of release requests and submit annual reports on outcomes and cost savings, with all provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands conditional medical release for geriatric and family caregivers, promoting rehabilitation and reducing unnecessary incarceration, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SF 4221: Disseminating information crime expansion to include all individuals provision

This bill expands Minnesota's existing laws against sharing personal information to protect all individuals, not just law enforcement officers. It creates a new civil lawsuit option for people harmed when their private data is shared without consent, allowing them to seek damages for emotional distress, court costs, and up to $10,000 in penalties. The law applies when someone knowingly shares information that creates an immediate serious threat to safety, but includes exceptions for legitimate criminal investigations, public interest reporting, and legal proceedings. Courts would handle these cases in Minnesota counties where the parties live, where the information was shared, or where it is stored, with special protections for confidential filings to maintain privacy.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances privacy protections and creates civil remedies for unauthorized data sharing, supporting civil rights and accountability in criminal justice contexts.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy protections by expanding laws against sharing personal information and creating civil remedies for unauthorized data sharing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Data Privacy

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