SF 4292

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/24/2026 11:01 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; providing for venue in child sexual abuse material law;
providing for on-scene preview of digital evidence in child sexual abuse material
investigations; prohibiting possession, sale, creation, dissemination, and purchase
of child-like sex dolls; modifying the defense of duress to include victims of
trafficking; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 243.166, subdivision 1b;
609.08; 617.246, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement,
section 617.247, by adding a subdivision; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 617.

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

ARTICLE 1

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 617.246, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Venue. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 627.01, an offense
committed under this section may be prosecuted in:
new text end

new text begin (1) the county where the offense occurred;
new text end

new text begin (2) the county of residence of the accused or victim; or
new text end

new text begin (3) if venue cannot be located in the counties specified under clause (1) or (2), the county
where any sexual performance or child sexual abuse material is produced, reproduced,
found, stored, received, promoted, disseminated, or possessed in violation of this section.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 617.247, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Venue. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 627.01, an offense
committed under this section may be prosecuted in:
new text end

new text begin (1) the county where the offense occurred;
new text end

new text begin (2) the county of residence of the accused or victim; or
new text end

new text begin (3) if venue cannot be located in the counties specified under clause (1) or (2), the county
where any sexual performance or child sexual abuse material is produced, reproduced,
found, stored, received, promoted, disseminated, or possessed in violation of this section.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [617.275] CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL; ON-SCENE DIGITAL
EVIDENCE PREVIEW.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authority. new text end

new text begin When a court issues a search warrant authorizing the search
and seizure of electronic devices or digital media for evidence of child sexual abuse material,
the warrant also authorizes law enforcement officers and forensic investigators to conduct
an on-scene forensic preview of the device or media at the location of execution.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Preview. new text end

new text begin The on-scene forensic preview of an electronic device or digital media
is limited to the examination reasonably necessary to identify, confirm, and document the
presence or absence of child sexual abuse material, as defined in section 617.246, subdivision
1, paragraph (f). Any additional forensic analysis of a device or media beyond the initial
preview must be conducted in a digital forensic laboratory or other controlled environment
pursuant to a separate court-issued search warrant specific to that device or media.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Safeguards. new text end

new text begin (a) On-scene forensic previews must be conducted using forensic
methods designed to preserve the integrity of data and ensure admissibility in court.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a preview establishes that a seized device contains no relevant evidence, law
enforcement shall return the device to the owner or possessor as soon as practicable,
consistent with section 626.04.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Warrant. new text end

new text begin A separate search warrant is not required for the limited on-scene
forensic preview authorized under this section, provided that the underlying warrant expressly
authorizes the search for child sexual abuse material.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Scope. new text end

new text begin Nothing in this section diminishes or alters the constitutional protections
afforded under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, or Minnesota
Constitution, article I, section 10.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to search
warrants issued on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL INVESTIGATIONS; LEGISLATIVE
FINDINGS.
new text end

new text begin The legislature finds that:
new text end

new text begin (1) digital evidence in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigations has grown
exponentially, with investigators often confronted by thousands of files on a single device,
contributing to significant backlogs in forensic laboratories;
new text end

new text begin (2) timely identification of CSAM is critical to protecting children from ongoing
victimization and to apprehending offenders who may be actively producing, distributing,
or consuming the material;
new text end

new text begin (3) current practices often require the prolonged seizure and retention of personal
electronic devices that ultimately contain no evidentiary value, creating unnecessary burdens
for innocent citizens and impeding the prompt return of property;
new text end

new text begin (4) on-scene forensic previews are a recognized law enforcement practice that allows
investigators to quickly determine whether a device contains evidence of CSAM, prioritize
devices for further examination, and reduce unnecessary seizures;
new text end

new text begin (5) Minnesota law does not expressly authorize on-scene forensic previews under a valid
search warrant, creating uncertainty for investigators and risking the loss or destruction of
critical evidence during delays; and
new text end

new text begin (6) establishing statutory authority for on-scene forensic previews under judicially
authorized search warrants provides clarity, balances the urgent need for effective CSAM
investigations with individual privacy rights, and ensures that all evidence is obtained in a
manner consistent with constitutional protections.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

PROHIBITION ON CHILD-LIKE SEX DOLLS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 243.166, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b.

Registration required.

(a) A person shall register under this section if:

(1) the person was charged with or petitioned for a felony violation of or attempt to
violate, or aiding, abetting, or conspiracy to commit, any of the following, and convicted
of or adjudicated delinquent for that offense or another offense arising out of the same set
of circumstances:

(i) murder under section 609.185, paragraph (a), clause (2);

(ii) kidnapping under section 609.25;

(iii) criminal sexual conduct under section 609.342; 609.343; 609.344; 609.345; 609.3451,
subdivision 3, paragraph (b); or 609.3453;

(iv) indecent exposure under section 617.23, subdivision 3; or

(v) surreptitious intrusion under the circumstances described in section 609.746,
subdivision 1, paragraph (h);

(2) the person was charged with or petitioned for a violation of, or attempt to violate, or
aiding, abetting, or conspiring to commit any of the following and convicted of or adjudicated
delinquent for that offense or another offense arising out of the same set of circumstances:

(i) criminal abuse in violation of Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 609.2325, subdivision
1, paragraph (b);

(ii) solicitation, inducement, or promotion of the prostitution of a minor or engaging in
the sex trafficking of a minor in violation of section 609.322;

(iii) a prostitution offense in violation of section 609.324, subdivision 1, paragraph (a);

(iv) soliciting a minor to engage in sexual conduct in violation of section 609.352,
subdivision 2 or 2a, clause (1);

(v) using a minor in a sexual performance in violation of section 617.246; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

(vi) possessing or disseminating a pornographic work involving a minor in violation of
section 617.247;

new text begin (vii) possession of a child-like sex doll in violation of section 617.248; or
new text end

new text begin (viii) creation of child-like sex dolls in violation of section 617.249;
new text end

(3) the person was sentenced as a patterned sex offender under section 609.3455,
subdivision 3a; or

(4) the person was charged with or petitioned for, including pursuant to a court martial,
violating a law of the United States, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice, similar
to an offense or involving similar circumstances to an offense described in clause (1), (2),
or (3), and convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for that offense or another offense arising
out of the same set of circumstances.

(b) A person also shall register under this section if:

(1) the person was charged with or petitioned for an offense in another state similar to
an offense or involving similar circumstances to an offense described in paragraph (a),
clause (1), (2), or (3), and convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for that offense or another
offense arising out of the same set of circumstances;

(2) the person enters this state to reside, work, or attend school, or enters this state and
remains for 14 days or longer or for an aggregate period of time exceeding 30 days during
any calendar year; and

(3) ten years have not elapsed since the person was released from confinement or, if the
person was not confined, since the person was convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for
the offense that triggers registration, unless the person is subject to a longer registration
period under the laws of another state in which the person has been convicted or adjudicated,
or is subject to lifetime registration.

If a person described in this paragraph is subject to a longer registration period in another
state or is subject to lifetime registration, the person shall register for that time period
regardless of when the person was released from confinement, convicted, or adjudicated
delinquent.

(c) A person also shall register under this section if the person was committed pursuant
to a court commitment order under Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 253B.185, chapter
253D, Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 526.10, or a similar law of another state or the
United States, regardless of whether the person was convicted of any offense.

(d) A person also shall register under this section if:

(1) the person was charged with or petitioned for a felony violation or attempt to violate
any of the offenses listed in paragraph (a), clause (1), or a similar law of another state or
the United States, or the person was charged with or petitioned for a violation of any of the
offenses listed in paragraph (a), clause (2), or a similar law of another state or the United
States;

(2) the person was found not guilty by reason of mental illness or mental deficiency
after a trial for that offense, or found guilty but mentally ill after a trial for that offense, in
states with a guilty but mentally ill verdict; and

(3) the person was committed pursuant to a court commitment order under section
253B.18 or a similar law of another state or the United States.

Sec. 2.

new text begin [617.248] POSSESSION OF A CHILD-LIKE SEX DOLL.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin "Child-like sex doll" means an anatomically correct doll,
mannequin, or robot with features that are intended to depict or resemble a minor and that
is intended for use in sex acts.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Dissemination prohibited. new text end

new text begin (a) A person who knowingly, or with reason to
know, disseminates a child-like sex doll to an adult or a minor is guilty of a felony and may
be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not
more than $7,000, or both.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person who violates paragraph (a) is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to
imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $15,000,
or both, if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the person has a prior conviction or delinquency adjudication for violating this section
or section 617.246, 617.247, or 617.249;
new text end

new text begin (2) the violation occurs when the person is a registered predatory offender under section
243.166; or
new text end

new text begin (3) the violation involved a child-like sex doll depicting a minor under 14 years of age.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Possession prohibited. new text end

new text begin (a) A person who knowingly, or with reason to know,
possesses a child-like sex doll is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment
for not more than three years or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person who violates paragraph (a) is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to
imprisonment for not more than seven years or to payment of a fine of not more than $7,000,
or both, if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the person has a prior conviction or delinquency adjudication for violating this section
or section 617.246, 617.247, or 617.249;
new text end

new text begin (2) the violation occurs when the person is a registered predatory offender under section
243.166; or
new text end

new text begin (3) the violation involved a child-like sex doll depicting a minor under 14 years of age.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Exception. new text end

new text begin This section does not apply to the performance of official duties
by peace officers, court personnel, or attorneys, nor to licensed physicians, psychologists,
or social workers or persons acting at the direction of a licensed physician, psychologist,
or social worker in the course of a bona fide treatment or professional education program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Second offense. new text end

new text begin If a person is convicted of a second or subsequent violation
of this section within 15 years of the prior conviction, the court shall order a mental
examination of the person. The examiner shall report to the court whether treatment of the
person is necessary.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Conditional release term. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding the statutory maximum sentence
otherwise applicable to the offense or any provision of the sentencing guidelines, when a
court commits a person to the custody of the commissioner of corrections for violating this
section, the court shall provide that after the person has been released from prison, the
commissioner shall place the person on conditional release for five years. If the person has
previously been convicted of a violation of this section; section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344,
609.345, 609.3451, 609.3453, 617.246, 617.247, or 617.249; or any similar statute of the
United States, this state, or any state, the commissioner shall place the person on conditional
release for 15 years. The terms of conditional release are governed by section 609.3455,
subdivision 8.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [617.249] CREATION OF CHILD-LIKE SEX DOLLS PROHIBITED.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Child-like sex doll" has the meaning given in section 617.248.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Promote" means to produce, direct, publish, manufacture, issue, or advertise.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Use of minor. new text end

new text begin (a) It is unlawful for a person to promote, employ, use, or permit
a minor to engage in or assist others to engage minors in the modeling for the creation of a
child-like sex doll if the person knows or has reason to know that the conduct intended is
to create a child-like sex doll.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person who violates paragraph (a) is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to
imprisonment for not more than seven years or to payment of a fine of not more than $7,000,
or both.
new text end

new text begin (c) A person who violates paragraph (a) is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to
imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $15,000,
or both, if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the person has a prior conviction or delinquency adjudication for violating this section
or section 617.246, 617.247, or 617.248;
new text end

new text begin (2) the violation occurs when the person is a registered predatory offender under section
243.166; or
new text end

new text begin (3) the violation involved a minor under 14 years of age.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Operation or ownership of business. new text end

new text begin (a) It is unlawful for a person who owns
or operates a business to intentionally disseminate or reproduce a child-like sex doll where
a minor was used or employed in the modeling for the creation of the child-like sex doll.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person who violates paragraph (a) is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to
imprisonment for not more than seven years or to payment of a fine of not more than $7,000,
or both.
new text end

new text begin (c) A person who violates paragraph (a) is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to
imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $15,000,
or both, if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the person has a prior conviction or delinquency adjudication for violating this section
or section 617.246, 617.247, or 617.248;
new text end

new text begin (2) the violation occurs when the person is a registered predatory offender under section
243.166; or
new text end

new text begin (3) the violation involved a minor under 14 years of age.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Dissemination. new text end

new text begin (a) A person who intentionally disseminates for profit to an
adult or a minor a child-like sex doll that used or employed a minor in the modeling for the
creation of the child-like sex doll is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment
for not more than seven years or to payment of a fine of not more than $7,000, or both.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person who violates paragraph (a) is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to
imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $15,000,
or both, if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the person has a prior conviction or delinquency adjudication for violating this section
or section 617.246, 617.247, or 617.248;
new text end

new text begin (2) the violation occurs when the person is a registered predatory offender under section
243.166; or
new text end

new text begin (3) the violation involved a minor under 14 years of age.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Consent; mistake. new text end

new text begin Neither consent to the modeling for the creation of a
child-like sex doll by a minor or the minor's parent, guardian, or custodian nor mistake as
to the minor's age is a defense to a charge of violation of this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Conditional release term. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding the statutory maximum sentence
otherwise applicable to the offense or any provision of the sentencing guidelines, when a
court commits a person to the custody of the commissioner of corrections for violating this
section, the court shall provide that after the person has been released from prison, the
commissioner shall place the person on conditional release for five years. If the person has
previously been convicted of a violation of this section; section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344,
609.345, 609.3451, 609.3453, 617.246, 617.247, or 617.248; or any similar statute of the
United States, this state, or any state, the commissioner shall place the person on conditional
release for 15 years. The terms of conditional release are governed by section 609.3455,
subdivision 8.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

DURESS DEFENSE

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.08, is amended to read:

609.08 DURESS.

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Compulsion by threat of death. new text end

Except as provided in section 609.20,
clause (3), when any crime is committed or participated in by two or more persons, any one
of whom participates only under compulsion by another engaged therein, who by threats
creates a reasonable apprehension in the mind of such participator that in case of refusal
that participator is liable to instant death, such threats and apprehension constitute duress
which will excuse such participator from criminal liability.

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duress; victims of labor or sex trafficking. new text end

new text begin (a) A defendant may assert the
affirmative defense of duress to excuse criminal liability for any offense that is not a crime
of violence, as defined in section 624.712, subdivision 5, by proving by a preponderance
of the evidence that, at the time the offense was committed, the defendant was a victim of
labor or sex trafficking, as defined in sections 609.281, subdivision 6, and 609.321,
subdivision 7b, and the conduct or alleged conduct underlying the offense was directly
related to the defendant having been a victim of labor or sex trafficking.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a defendant is found not guilty of a criminal offense based on the successful
assertion of the affirmative defense of duress under this subdivision, the court must order
all records relating to the arrest, indictment or information, trial, or verdict be sealed; that
the existence of the record not be disclosed; and that the record not be opened except by
court order.
new text end