Bill > HF764

This bill eliminates the statute of limitations for arson in the first degree (section 609.561) by adding a provision that allows indictments or complaints for this crime to be filed at any time after the offense is committed. Currently, most criminal offenses have specific time limits within which legal charges must be brought, but this bill removes that time restriction specifically for arson in the first degree. The change means that prosecutors can pursue charges for this serious crime regardless of how much time has passed since the offense occurred. The bill is effective August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed both on or after that date and to crimes committed before that date, as long as the statute of limitations had not already expired prior to August 1, 2025. This modification to the existing law provides law enforcement and prosecutors with more flexibility in pursuing arson cases, potentially allowing for prosecution even years after the crime was committed, which could be particularly beneficial in cases where evidence or witnesses emerge long after the initial incident.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0764&ssn=0&y=2025