HF 3481 requires prosecutors in criminal cases involving "crimes of violence" to seek court-ordered protective measures for specific sensitive evidence to prevent unnecessary public disclosure. It specifically mandates protective orders for 911 call recordings made by minors or their family members, and video footage showing minors (victims or family) captured by body cameras or police vehicle cameras. The bill clarifies that such evidence, if clearly offensive to common sensibilities, must remain private even if previously presented in court. This applies to cases commenced on or after August 1, 2026, and does not affect defendants' rights to access evidence under criminal procedure rules. The law directly affects minor victims, their families, and prosecutors handling violent crime cases in Minnesota.
HF 3658 modifies Minnesota's process for extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which are temporary court orders preventing individuals deemed a threat from accessing firearms. The bill expands who can file petitions - including law enforcement agencies, family/household members, and guardians - while clarifying definitions of "family or household members" and requiring specific evidence in petitions. Key changes include waiving court filing fees, mandating mental health professionals to report firearm-related suicide risks to law enforcement, and requiring courts to notify law enforcement and update background checks within 24 hours of issuing an order. These changes aim to streamline access to ERPOs for at-risk individuals and improve enforcement coordination.
SF 4067 adds a specific provision requiring the Minnesota State Patrol to provide security and protection to the chief justice of the Supreme Court, explicitly authorizing patrol members to act as peace officers for this purpose. It also adjusts base funding levels for Minnesota's judicial branches starting in fiscal year 2028, increasing the Supreme Court's base to $51,636,000, the Court of Appeals to $15,871,000, and the District Courts to $402,918,000. These funding changes are technical adjustments to existing base amounts, not new programs. The bill directly affects the judicial branch's budget and the State Patrol's duties regarding chief justice security.
SF 3959 amends Minnesota's Safe at Home program to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It directly affects eligible participants by requiring clearer application details (including court-ordered guardianship documentation for minors/incapacitated persons) and mandating that all entities accept the program's designated address as the participant's official address - without demanding their real location for services. Key provisions include adding "emancipated minor" to eligibility definitions, clarifying mail delivery rules, and establishing criminal penalties for violating address confidentiality. The bill ensures participants can safely access services like mail and voting without risking exposure to abusers.
HF 3676 strengthens Minnesota's Safe at Home program, which provides confidential addresses for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The bill expands eligibility to include emancipated minors, requires court orders for guardianship applications, and clarifies that entities must use the program's confidential address exclusively for mail. It also establishes criminal penalties for knowingly disclosing a participant's real address or violating program confidentiality. This directly affects victims using the Safe at Home program by enhancing their safety protections and legal safeguards.
HF 3477 creates a legal right for Minnesotans to sue state or local officials who violate their civil rights under the U.S. or Minnesota Constitution while acting in their official capacity. It allows victims to seek damages, injunctions, and attorney fees in court, with claims needing to be filed within six years. The bill also requires state and local law enforcement agencies to get written agreements from federal partners ensuring federal officers comply with both constitutions and can be held liable under this law during joint operations. These provisions apply to all cases filed on or after the law's effective date.
SF 3907 creates a court process allowing victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault to remove an abuser's property ownership rights from a "contract for deed" (a shared ownership agreement for residential property). Victims can petition a court using verified documents like protection orders, law enforcement records, or statements from licensed healthcare professionals or advocates. The abuser and property seller must be notified and given 90 days to contest the request. This specifically applies to residential properties purchased through contract for deed arrangements, not standard mortgages.
SF 3699 bans civil arrests for people attending court as parties, witnesses, or court companions (such as family members, advocates, or interpreters). It protects individuals while traveling to, at, and returning from court, covering courthouse buildings, surrounding streets within 1,000 feet, and parking areas. The law does not apply to arrests for criminal violations or those supported by a judicial warrant. This directly affects people accessing courts for civil, criminal, or administrative cases, ensuring they cannot be detained for civil immigration matters or similar issues while participating in court proceedings.
HF 3769 clarifies and expands health care requirements for people in Minnesota's correctional facilities. It updates tuberculosis screening rules to require testing within 14 days of intake and annually, with options including blood tests or X-rays, and adds procedures for court-ordered testing if inmates refuse. The bill also requires correctional facilities to establish at least one mental health unit for short-term care and expands access by allowing transfers for "assessment, evaluation, or stabilization" when needed. Additionally, it aligns substance use disorder treatment programs with community standards while allowing flexibility for correctional settings. These changes directly affect incarcerated individuals and staff across Minnesota's state correctional facilities.
HF 3661 prohibits state and local government entities, including law enforcement agencies, from acquiring, using, or entering agreements with private companies to obtain facial recognition technology. The bill defines "face surveillance" as automated systems identifying individuals based on facial features and bans all government use of such systems. It includes enforcement mechanisms: evidence from violations cannot be used in court, affected individuals can sue for $1,000 per violation (minimum), and officials violating the law may face disciplinary action. The law takes effect August 1, 2026, and directly affects government agencies' technology use.
