SF4602 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Notification to a petitioner requirement upon service of a harassment restraining order
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
To require advance notice to the petitioner before the respondent is served with a harassment restraining order or temporary restraining order, when the petitioner asks for it.
Main Provisions
- Adds Subd.5d to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.748.
- If the petitioner requests, a sheriff or peace officer must make reasonable efforts to notify the petitioner at least 24 hours before the respondent is served with a temporary restraining order (TRO) or restraining order (RO) issued under this section.
- The notice can be given through methods such as texting, calling, or emailing the petitioner, if the petitioner's contact information is available to the officer.
How It Works (Implementation Details)
- The requirement applies only when the petitioner requests notification before service.
- The notification is intended to occur before the respondent is served, not after.
- “Reasonable efforts” are the methods listed (text, call, email) and may include other appropriate steps if contact information is available.
Significance and Potential Impact
- Purpose and effect: Gives petitioners advance warning about when the respondent will be served, allowing them to prepare safety planning or take other precautions.
- Changes to current law: Adds a new rule to 609.748 that requires pre-service notice if requested.
- Practical considerations: Could add time before service, depending on implementation, but aims to improve petitioner awareness and safety.
Key Terms (from the bill)
- petition
- petitioner
- respondent
- harassing restraining order (HRO)
- temporary restraining order (TRO)
- restraining order (RO)
- service (of the order)
- sheriff
- peace officer
- notice / notification
- reasonable efforts
- contact information
- texting
- calling
- emailing
- Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.748
Relevant Terms - petition, petitioner, respondent, TRO, RO, HRO, service, notice, reasonable efforts, contact information, texting, calling, emailing, sheriff, peace officer, Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.748
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 18, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| March 18, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New subdivision implementing petitioner notification prior to service."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds a new subdivision (subd.5d) to Minn. Stat. § 609.748 requiring notice to the petitioner prior to service of a harassment restraining order, with reasonable methods to notify (texting, calling, emailing) if the petitioner's contact information is available.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.748",
"subdivision": "subd.5d"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee