The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299C.80, subdivision 3, to expand the authority of the Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit regarding investigations of criminal sexual conduct cases. The amendments specify that the unit will investigate cases involving peace officers, including chief law enforcement officers, and cases where a member of the armed forces of the United States is involved, regardless of the state of residence or the location of the assigned unit of the accused or alleged victim. Additionally, the bill clarifies that incidents must occur at military installations, armories, air bases, or facilities owned or controlled by the state for military purposes.

Furthermore, the bill allows the unit to assist in investigations of alleged sexual assaults involving members of the armed forces of the United States outside of Minnesota, upon request from the investigating agency. The amendments also include the ability for the unit to investigate conflict of interest cases involving peace officers. Notably, the language referring to the "Minnesota National Guard" has been replaced with "armed forces of the United States" to broaden the scope of the investigations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299C.80