HF 1397

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 02/24/2025 03:26 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; making the use of sign and release warrants optional;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 629.415, subdivision 5.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 629.415, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Sign and release warrant; law enforcement duties.

(a) When a peace officer
encounters a defendant who is the subject of a sign and release warrant, the officer deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin
must new text end inform the defendant of the missed court appearance and new text begin may new text end provide a new notice
that includes a time to appear.

(b) new text begin If a peace officer provides new text end notice of the new time to appear deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin , the notice must new text end be
made in writing and must include the court file number or the warrant number. The defendant
may be asked to sign a form acknowledging receipt of the notice. A defendant may not be
required to sign the acknowledgment, but the peace officer or other employee may indicate
that a notice was given and that the defendant refused to sign.

(c) After providing the notice, the peace officer shall release the defendant at the scene.

(d) As soon as practicable after providing the notice, the peace officer shall:

(1) inactivate the warrant or direct the appropriate office or department to inactivate the
warrant; and

(2) submit a form or other notification that can be filed in the court's electronic filing
system that includes the court case number, updates the defendant's personal contact
information, and indicates that the defendant received notice of the new time to appear.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end