The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299C.80, subdivision 3, to expand the authority of the Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit regarding the investigation 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 Minnesota National Guard is the victim and the accused is also a member of the National Guard. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that allows the unit to investigate cases where any member of the armed forces of the United States is either the victim or the accused, provided the incident occurred at a state military installation or facility owned or controlled by the state for military purposes.

Furthermore, the bill maintains the unit's role in assisting investigations of alleged sexual assaults involving members of the Minnesota National Guard that occur outside the state, upon request from the investigating agency. It also retains the unit's authority to investigate conflict of interest cases involving peace officers. The changes aim to enhance the oversight and accountability of investigations related to sexual conduct offenses within military contexts.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 299C.80
1st Engrossment: 299C.80