This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.101, subdivision 2, to include children's advocacy centers as a recognized victim assistance program eligible to receive a portion of certain fines imposed by the court. The legislation mandates that when a court sentences an individual for specific violent crimes, it must impose a minimum fine of 30 percent of the maximum fine allowed by law. The court is required to allocate 70 percent of the fine to a local victim assistance program, while the remaining 30 percent goes to the general fund. If multiple programs exist in the county, the court can designate which program receives the funds based on various considerations.

The bill specifically expands the definition of "victim assistance program" to include children's advocacy centers, which are defined in section 260E.02, subdivision 5. This inclusion aims to enhance support for child victims of crime by ensuring that these centers receive financial resources to provide direct services. The legislation emphasizes that the minimum fine is in addition to any other surcharges, assessments, or sentences imposed by the court, thereby reinforcing the commitment to victim assistance in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.101