The proposed bill seeks to amend Minnesota's laws regarding felony murder and aiding and abetting murder by introducing new legal language that clarifies the conditions under which a person may be held criminally liable. Specifically, it emphasizes the necessity of intent and premeditation for liability, adding language to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.05, subdivision 2a, which states that murder liability requires intentional actions aimed at causing death. The bill also revises sections 609.185 and 609.19 to refine the definitions and criteria for first-degree and second-degree murder, including a new subdivision that outlines exceptions for unintentional murder based on the circumstances of the underlying felony.

Additionally, the bill revives a task force focused on aiding and abetting felony murder, which is required to submit a report by February 1, 2027. It establishes a process for individuals convicted under specific aiding and abetting murder statutes to petition for retroactive relief, allowing them to vacate their convictions if they did not cause the death or intentionally aid in the act. The bill outlines the petitioning process, including requirements for filing, victim notification, and court procedures, while ensuring that all related filings and proceedings are without costs or fees. The criteria for relief include evidence that the petitioner did not cause the death and did not intentionally aid in the act, with the court required to provide written reasons for its decisions. These provisions will take effect on August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.05, 609.185, 609.19
1st Engrossment: 609.05, 609.185, 609.19