This bill aims to enhance the legal protections surrounding searches and seizures conducted by conservation officers in Minnesota. It explicitly prohibits conservation officers from conducting searches or seizures without a warrant or court order, except in specific circumstances such as imminent danger to human life or with the consent of the individual involved. Additionally, the bill mandates that officers provide receipts to individuals from whom property is seized, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process. The bill introduces new legal language under section 84.0287, which outlines these provisions and requires that any existing laws granting authority to conservation officers be interpreted consistently with this new section.

The bill also amends several existing statutes to align with the new requirements. For instance, it modifies sections related to the seizure of property, including vehicles and firearms, to ensure that such actions are conducted in accordance with the new warrant requirement. The amendments clarify that property can only be seized when authorized under the new section, reinforcing the need for legal oversight in conservation enforcement actions. Overall, the bill seeks to balance the enforcement of natural resource laws with the protection of individual rights, ensuring that conservation officers operate within a framework that respects due process.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 84.7741, 84.89, 97A.221, 97A.223, 97A.225, 97B.021, 97C.355