Bill > SF1369

This bill requires county attorneys to create detailed written records when dismissing felony criminal charges, including specific information such as the defendant's name, offense date, originally charged crimes, dismissed charges, victim's stance on dismissal, dismissal date, and reason for dismissal. County attorneys must then submit these records to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission and publish the information (with victim identifying details removed) on their public websites. The Sentencing Guidelines Commission will be required to include a summary and analysis of these dismissal reports in their annual legislative report. The new requirements will take effect on August 1, 2025, and apply to dismissals occurring on or after that date. The goal appears to be increasing transparency around criminal charge dismissals by providing comprehensive information about why and how often charges are being dropped, while protecting victim privacy. This legislation aims to give lawmakers and the public more insight into prosecutorial decision-making in criminal cases.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1369&ssn=0&y=2025