HF3825 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Judge required to inquire whether victim has been notified of plea and sentencing hearings, victim protected from identification in prosecutor's petition for sentence adjustment, victim notification of defendant eligibility for automatic expungement expanded, and other crime victim provisions modified.
Related bill: SF3871
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- Strengthen and expand crime victims’ rights and protections in Minnesota. The bill aims to ensure victims are informed and can participate in plea negotiations, sentencing, and post-conviction decisions, protect the identity of minor victims in certain records, and broaden what counts as a violent crime for some procedures.
Main Provisions
Section 1 — Petition for sentence adjustment (609.133, Subd. 4)
- Prosecutors must file a petition in the district where the conviction occurred and include:
- The defendant’s full name and any aliases, date of birth, and address.
- The reason for seeking a sentence adjustment and details of the offense (date, jurisdiction).
- Names or number of victims, presence of orders (protective/restraining/no-contact), case number, and date of conviction.
- Steps the defendant has taken toward rehabilitation (treatment, work, good conduct) and a full criminal history, including prior charges and outcomes.
- Any prior requests by the defendant for pardons, expungement, or similar actions.
- The filing fee for this petition is waived.
- Data sharing: supervising agents or the Department of Corrections may provide private or confidential data to the prosecutor for this petition.
Section 2 — Victim identity confidentiality (609.3471)
- Data identifying a minor victim in records related to petitions, complaints, or indictments under listed sections must not be publicly accessible, except by court order.
- This protection does not block access to other data about the defendant.
Section 3 — Plea agreements notification of victim (611A.03, Subd. 1)
- Before the factual basis for a plea is entered, prosecutors must reasonably inform the victim about:
- The contents of the plea agreement and recommended sentence.
- The victim’s right to be present at the sentencing hearing and at the hearing where the plea is presented, and to object verbally or in writing.
- If the victim objects but is not present, prosecutors must communicate those objections to the court.
- The bill also makes the offense’s eligibility for automatic expungement (609A.015) relevant to any offense included in the plea or dismissed as part of the plea.
Section 4 — Plea hearing requirement (611A.03, adding Subd. 4)
- At the plea hearing, the court must ask the prosecutor whether the victim has been notified and whether the victim wishes to express objections to the plea or agreement.
Section 5 — Definition of violent crime (611A.036, Subd. 7)
- Expands the list of offenses considered “violent crime.” The list includes many serious crimes such as various degrees of murder and manslaughter, high-level assaults, kidnapping, robbery, certain sex offenses, child abuse, trafficking, domestic violence, and related conduct. It also adds offenses like female genital mutilation and labor trafficking to the scope.
Section 6 — Right to submit statements at sentencing (611A.038)
- Victims can submit an impact statement to the court at sentencing or disposition, either orally or in writing.
- The prosecutor or their designee must present the statement if the victim requests.
- The court can accept victim impact statements and community impact statements describing harms to victims and the community.
- The court must ask if the victim has been notified of the sentencing and whether the victim wishes to submit an impact statement.
- The defendant’s right to address the court is not expanded by this section.
Section 7 — Notice and notices related to post-conviction rights (611A.039, Subd. 1)
- Within 15 working days after conviction, acquittal, or dismissal in cases with an identifiable crime victim, the prosecutor should provide notice of the final disposition, the victim’s rights, and whether the offense is eligible for automatic expungement (609A.015) if dismissed or if the defendant was convicted/acquitted.
- When the court considers modifying a sentence for a felony or crime of violence, the prosecutor must notify the victim and provide contact information and an opportunity for input.
- The Office of Justice Programs must develop and update a model notice of post-conviction rights.
- Definitions: the bill defines “crime of violence” and clarifies who is considered a “victim.”
Implementation and Roles
Who is involved:
- Prosecutors must notify victims, facilitate objections, and share relevant information for petitions and plea processes.
- Courts must ask about victim notification and allow victim input at plea and sentencing.
- The Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs will provide model notices and guidance.
- Data sharing is allowed between certain state agents to support sentence adjustment petitions.
Key operational changes:
- Stronger and more consistent victim notification and participation requirements across plea, sentencing, and post-conviction processes.
- Confidentiality protections for minor victims’ identities in specific records.
- Expanded list of offenses considered violent crimes for certain procedures, potentially broadening protections and procedures tied to those offenses.
Potential Impacts
For victims:
- Greater involvement in plea and sentencing decisions.
- Clear rights to be informed, to object, and to submit impact statements.
- Enhanced privacy protections for minor victims in certain records.
- clearer notice about final dispositions and expungement eligibility.
For defendants and the court system:
- More procedures to verify victim notification and allow victim input.
- Expanded categories of offenses treated as violent crimes for related processes.
- More administrative tasks for prosecutors and courts, plus standardized notices.
Summary of Key Effects
- Mandatory victim notification and opportunity to object at plea and sentencing.
- Expanded protections for minor victims’ identities in certain records.
- Expanded definition of violent crime for related sentencing and post-conviction processes.
- Formal rights for victims to submit impact and community impact statements.
- Clear timelines and model notices for victim rights and expungement eligibility.
Relevant Terms - petition for sentence adjustment - sentence adjustment - victim notification - plea agreement notification - plea hearing - victim impact statement - community impact statement - automatic expungement - expungement eligibility - minor victim identity confidentiality - order for protection / restraining order - crime of violence - violent crime - protest/objection by victim - 609A.015 (expungement statute) - 624.712 (definition reference for violence) - 611A.01 / 611A.03 / 611A.036 / 611A.038 / 611A.039 (sections involved)
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Upcoming committee meetings
- Judiciary Finance and Civil Law on: March 25, 2026 10:15
Past committee meetings
- Public Safety Finance and Policy on: March 11, 2026 15:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 02, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Public Safety Finance and Policy | |
| March 16, 2026 | House | Action | Committee report, to adopt and re-refer to | Judiciary Finance and Civil Law |
Citations
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"summary": "Cited as Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.3471 (victim identity records).",
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"citation": "609.3471",
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"analysis": {
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"summary": "Cited as Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 611A.03 subdivision 1 (plea agreements notification of victim).",
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"citation": "611A.03",
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"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Cited as an added subdivision (Subd. 4) to 611A.03 regarding plea hearings.",
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"analysis": {
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"summary": "Cited as Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 611A.036 subdivision 7 (definition of violent crime).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "611A.036",
"subdivision": "7"
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{
"analysis": {
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"summary": "Cited as Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 611A.038 (right to submit statement at sentencing).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "611A.038",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited as Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 611A.039 subdivision 1 (notice to victims in postconviction context).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "611A.039",
"subdivision": "1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Cited in relation to the meaning of violent crime (section 624.712 subdivision 5) referenced in 611A.036.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "624.712",
"subdivision": "5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference noting victim meaning in section 611A.01 paragraph b.",
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},
"citation": "611A.01",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Office of Justice Programs to develop a model notice of postconviction rights under 611A.06 referenced in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "611A.06",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Reference to automatic expungement under section 609A.015 for offenses pleaded to or dismissed as part of a plea agreement.",
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"citation": "609A.015",
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{
"analysis": {
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"summary": "Cross-reference noting the right to address the court under section 631.20.",
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{
"analysis": {
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"summary": "Unclear cross-reference (not a standard Minnesota Statutes citation in the visible text).",
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"citation": "622.?",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes listed in the 611A.036 definition (murder in the first degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.185",
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"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes listed in the 611A.036 definition (murder in the second degree).",
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"citation": "609.19",
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"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes listed in the 611A.036 definition (murder in the third degree).",
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"citation": "609.195",
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"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (criminal vehicular homicide or related).",
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"citation": "609.2112",
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"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition.",
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"citation": "609.2113",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition.",
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"citation": "609.2114",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (great bodily harm, possibly related to drug distribution).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.224",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (female genital mutilation).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.2245",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (domestic assault by strangulation).",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (great bodily harm caused by distribution of drugs).",
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},
"citation": "609.228",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (mistreatment of persons).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.23",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (mistreatment of residents or patients).",
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"citation": "609.231",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
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"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (criminal abuse).",
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},
"citation": "609.2325",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (criminal neglect).",
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"citation": "609.233",
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{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (use of drugs to injure or facilitate crime).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.235",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (simple robbery).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.24",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (aggravated robbery).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.245",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (carjacking).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.247",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (kidnapping).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.25",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (false imprisonment).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.255",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (abduction).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.265",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (murder of an unborn child in the first degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.2661",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (murder of an unborn child in the second degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.2662",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (murder of an unborn child in the third degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.2663",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (manslaughter of an unborn child in the first degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.2664",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (manslaughter of an unborn child in the second degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.2665",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (assault of an unborn child in the first degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.267",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (assault of an unborn child in the second degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.2671",
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},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (assault of an unborn child in the third degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.2672",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (injury or death of an unborn child in commission of a crime).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.268",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (labor trafficking).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.282",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (solicitation, inducement and promotion of prostitution/sex trafficking).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.322",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (criminal sexual conduct in the first degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.342",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (criminal sexual conduct in the second degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.343",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (criminal sexual conduct in the third degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.344",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.345",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.3451",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (criminal sexual predatory conduct).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.3453",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (sexual extortion).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.3458",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.352",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (malicious punishment of a child).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.377",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (neglect or endangerment of a child).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.378",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (arson in the first degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.561",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (burglary in the first degree, etc.).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.582",
"subdivision": "1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the violent crimes list in the 611A.036 definition (drive-by shooting, etc.).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.66",
"subdivision": "1e"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference to Minnesota Statutes 2012 section 609.21.4.25 listed within the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.21.4.25",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference to 617.246 (related to records or indictments).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "617.246",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the cross-referenced data definitions (nonfelony violations etc.).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518B.01",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the cross-referenced data definitions (criminal charges).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.2231",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the cross-referenced data definitions (criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.3451",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the cross-referenced data definitions (nonfelony violations).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.748",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the cross-referenced data definitions (stalking and related offenses).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.749",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference fragment within the list of violent crimes; included for completeness.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.22",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference fragment within the list of violent crimes; included for completeness.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.324",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee