Bill > SF4292

This bill aims to strengthen protections against child sexual abuse and related offenses by modifying several laws. It expands the permissible locations for prosecuting offenses related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to include counties where the material is produced, found, stored, or disseminated, not just where the offense occurred or where the accused or victim resides. The bill also authorizes law enforcement to conduct an "on-scene forensic preview" of electronic devices during investigations of CSAM, allowing them to quickly identify and confirm the presence of such material without needing a separate warrant for this initial examination, provided the original warrant authorizes the search for CSAM. This is intended to expedite investigations and reduce unnecessary seizure of devices. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the possession, sale, creation, and dissemination of "child-like sex dolls," which are defined as anatomically correct dolls or mannequins with features intended to depict or resemble a minor and designed for sexual use. Finally, it modifies the legal defense of "duress," which excuses criminal liability when someone acts under threat, to specifically include victims of labor or sex trafficking, allowing them to use this defense if their actions were directly related to their victimization.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/SF/4292/