SF3688 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Civil action against a person for failure to render aid in certain circumstances authorization provision
Related bill: HF3468
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- To create a new civil remedy for people who are injured when someone fails to render aid in certain situations. The bill would let an injured person sue the responsible party to recover damages.
Main Provisions
- Adds a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.662.
- Establishes a civil action: a person who is injured by a violation of subdivision 2 paragraph 1.8 or subdivision 3 paragraph a may bring a civil action to recover damages.
- In addition to damages, the action allows recovery of costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorney fees.
- The civil action is triggered specifically by violations of the referenced parts of the statute (subdivision 2 paragraph 1.8 or subdivision 3 paragraph a).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a private civil remedy for failures to render aid under the identified portions of section 609.662.
- Expands enforcement options from potential criminal provisions to include civil damages and recoverable legal costs and attorney fees for the injured party.
Practical Impact (summary)
- Individuals injured due to someone’s failure to render aid in the specified circumstances would have a new pathway to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit, including recovery of legal costs.
Relevant Terms - civil action - damages - costs and disbursements - reasonable attorney fees - failure to render aid - Minnesota Statutes 2024 - section 609.662 - subdivision - subdivision 2 paragraph 1.8 - subdivision 3 paragraph a - injured - violation
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Past committee meetings
- Judiciary and Public Safety on: February 20, 2026 10:00
- Judiciary and Public Safety on: March 19, 2026 09:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 19, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| February 19, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds Subd. 6 Civil action allowing an injured party to sue for damages, costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees when a person fails to render aid as described in subdivisions 2(1)(a) or 3(a)."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill adds a new subdivision (Subd. 6) to Minnesota Statutes, section 609.662, creating a civil action for injuries resulting from a failure to render aid in certain circumstances.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.662",
"subdivision": "subd.6"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee