SF 3254

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 06/07/2023 10:34am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; establishing a grant for a study and report on pretrial
release practices; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin PRETRIAL RELEASE STUDY AND REPORT; APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) $500,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated from
the general fund to the commissioner of corrections for a grant to the Minnesota Justice
Research Center to study and report on pretrial release practices in Minnesota and other
jurisdictions, including but not limited to the use of bail as a condition of pretrial release.
The base for this appropriation is $0 in fiscal year 2026 and beyond.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Minnesota Justice Research Center shall review pretrial release practices in
Minnesota and community perspectives about those practices; conduct a robust survey of
pretrial release practices in other jurisdictions to identify effective approaches to pretrial
release that use identified best practices; provide analysis and recommendations describing
how practices in other jurisdictions could be adopted and implemented in Minnesota,
including but not limited to analysis addressing how changes would impact public safety,
treatment of defendants with different financial means, and community perspectives about
pretrial release; and make recommendations for policy changes for consideration by the
legislature.
new text end

new text begin (c) By February 15, 2024, the Minnesota Justice Research Center must provide a
preliminary report to the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over public
safety finance and policy including a summary of the preliminary findings, any legislative
proposals to improve the ability of the Minnesota Justice Research Center to complete its
work, and any proposals for legislation related to pretrial release. The Minnesota Justice
Research Center shall submit a final report to the legislative committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over public safety finance and policy by February 15, 2025. The final report
shall include a description of the Minnesota Justice Research Center's work, findings, and
any legislative proposals.
new text end