Bill > HF1998

This bill updates and clarifies victim notification requirements across several Minnesota statutes, focusing on improving how law enforcement and prosecutors communicate with victims of various crimes. The bill modifies existing laws to expand and enhance victim notifications, including allowing electronic distribution of victim rights notices, updating the language around initial and supplemental notices, and broadening the types of crimes covered by notification requirements. Specifically, the bill adds notification provisions for violations of orders for protection, domestic abuse no contact orders, and harassment restraining orders, and requires prosecutors to make reasonable efforts to notify victims when they decide not to prosecute a case. The notices must now include more comprehensive information about victims' rights, available resources such as statewide help lines and crime victim assistance programs, and options for seeking legal remedies like restraining orders. The bill also updates the language of notification statements to be clearer and more direct, and provides flexibility for agencies by allowing them to use existing supplies of notices while transitioning to the new requirements. The goal is to ensure victims are better informed about their rights, available services, and legal options following a crime.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1998&ssn=0&y=2025