This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 629.72, subdivision 2, to enhance judicial procedures regarding the release of individuals arrested for specific domestic violence-related offenses, including domestic abuse, harassment, and violations of protection orders. The bill mandates that judges must make their release decisions on the record, specifically addressing whether the release poses a threat to the alleged victim or public safety, and whether there is a likelihood of the individual failing to appear for future proceedings. The judge is required to consider the victim's account presented by the prosecutor and must document their findings regarding these factors.

Additionally, the bill allows judges to impose various conditions of release to protect the alleged victim and ensure the individual's appearance at subsequent court dates. These conditions may include prohibitions on contact with the victim, restrictions on firearm possession, and requirements to stay away from certain locations. The bill also introduces a provision for issuing temporary restraining orders or orders for protection as part of the release conditions. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025, applying to pretrial release decisions made on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 629.72