2026 Minnesota Statutes
617.275 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL; ON-SCENE DIGITAL EVIDENCE PREVIEW.
Subdivision 1.Authority.
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.
Subd. 2.Preview.
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.
Subd. 3.Safeguards.
(a) On-scene forensic previews must be conducted using forensic methods designed to preserve the integrity of data and ensure admissibility in court.
(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.
Subd. 4.Warrant.
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.
Subd. 5.Scope.
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.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes