The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 595.02, subdivision 1, to enhance the confidentiality protections for domestic abuse advocates. Specifically, it prohibits domestic abuse advocates from disclosing any information acquired while assisting a victim in a professional capacity, without the victim's consent. This change emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in the relationship between domestic abuse advocates and their clients, ensuring that victims can seek help without fear of their information being disclosed.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a "domestic abuse advocate" as an employee or supervised volunteer from a community-based program that provides support to victims of domestic abuse, and it specifies that these advocates are not employed by law enforcement or government agencies. The bill also includes an effective date of July 1, 2025, for these provisions, reinforcing the commitment to protecting the privacy of individuals seeking assistance from domestic abuse advocates.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 595.02