This bill aims to enhance public safety by granting city attorneys in Hennepin County the authority to file delinquency petitions and prosecute certain offenses when a county attorney declines to do so. Specifically, it allows city attorneys to draft and file petitions for offenses committed against peace officers, as well as to prosecute felony and gross misdemeanor offenses under similar circumstances. The bill also authorizes city attorneys to issue administrative subpoenas in specific cases. The effective date for these provisions is set for August 1, 2025, and they apply to violations committed on or after that date, as well as to prior violations if the juvenile court has jurisdiction.

Additionally, the bill includes conforming changes to various sections of Minnesota Statutes, replacing references to "county attorney" with "prosecuting authority" in several instances. This change reflects the expanded role of city attorneys in prosecuting certain offenses. The bill also clarifies the definitions and procedures related to juvenile petty offenses and the handling of records in juvenile court. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the prosecution process for juvenile offenses and enhance the ability of local authorities to address public safety concerns effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 260B.141, 388.051, 484.87, 260B.007, 260B.163, 260B.171, 260B.335, 260B.425, 388.23, 390.251