Bill > SF2983

This bill, named the Jay Boughton Evidence Access Act, establishes new provisions for protecting sensitive evidence in criminal proceedings. The legislation requires prosecuting authorities to seek a protective court order when introducing evidence that could be considered extremely offensive or potentially harmful to a victim's privacy or emotional well-being. Specifically, the bill mandates that prosecutors file such evidence under seal and obtain a protective order to prevent unnecessary public disclosure. The law applies particularly to sensitive materials like 911 call audio recordings and requires special consideration for cases involving minors. While the bill does not prevent a defendant from accessing evidence through standard criminal procedure rules, it does allow courts to prohibit further dissemination of the sensitive materials. The law will become effective on August 1, 2025, and will apply to criminal proceedings started on or after that date. The bill appears to be designed to balance the need for legal transparency with protecting the privacy and emotional well-being of victims and other affected parties.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2983&ssn=0&y=2025