The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance the rights of crime victims by requiring notification when an offender submits a letter of apology. Specifically, it updates section 611A.02, subdivision 2, to include a new right for victims to be informed about such apology letters. This addition is marked as item (7) in the list of rights that victims must be informed of by law enforcement at the time of initial contact. The bill also clarifies that the initial notice must include information on the rights and procedures available to homicide victims.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subdivision, 611A.06, subdivision 3b, which mandates that the commissioner of corrections or other custodial authority must make a good faith effort to notify victims of an offender's apology letter submission. This notification is contingent upon the victim having submitted a written request for such notification, and it must occur within 90 days of the apology letter being filed. This legislative change aims to ensure that victims are kept informed and can engage with the justice process more effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 611A.02, 611A.06