The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 629.415, subdivision 5, regarding the use of sign and release warrants by law enforcement. It makes the issuance of such warrants optional for peace officers, who may now choose whether to provide a notice to defendants subject to these warrants. The language specifies that if a peace officer does provide notice, it must be in writing and include the court file number or warrant number. While defendants may be asked to sign an acknowledgment of receipt, they are not required to do so, and officers can note that the notice was given regardless of the defendant's signature.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of peace officers after providing notice, including the requirement to release the defendant at the scene and to inactivate the warrant as soon as practicable. The bill also mandates that officers submit a notification to the court's electronic filing system, updating the defendant's contact information and confirming that notice of the new time to appear was given. The changes are set to take effect the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 629.415