The venue options for charging violators of harassment restraining orders will expand.
Effective Aug. 1, 2012, a person who commits a violation in two or more counties can be prosecuted in either jurisdiction for all of the acts.
The new law also provides that if the harassment is done through wireless or electronic communication, such as by phone, text message or through social media sites, the perpetrator can be charged in the county from where the information was sent or where the victim resides.
Sponsored by Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Vernon Center) and Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria), the law further requires the Department of Corrections to post on its website at least 30 days before a hearing to consider the release of an inmate sentenced to life imprisonment for first-degree murder involving the killing of a peace officer or correction facility guard information about the hearing.
Signed April 23 by Gov. Mark Dayton, the law is effective Aug. 1, 2012.
HF738*/
SF1000/CH218
Keeping the courts adequately funded
Public safety finance law doesn’t gut Human Rights Department
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Published 8/11/2011
Governor vetoes public safety bill
At about $1.8 billion in spending, no cuts to courts were proposed
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
DNA - It’s all in the family
Familial DNA could help solve criminal cases, but at what cost?
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Published 4/8/2011
Creating a ‘Safe Harbor’
Wide-ranging support for bill to decriminalize juveniles exploited by prostitution
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Published 4/1/2011
Two omnibus bills merged into one
DFL legislators oppose cuts to Department of Human Rights, Civil Legal Services
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Published 4/1/2011
Safety versus savings
Home fire sprinklers would be costly, but can save lives
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Published 3/4/2011
Minnesota Index: State corrections
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's correctional system
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Published 2/25/2011
How young is too young?
Committee debates age for youth being charged as an adult in certain cases
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Published 2/18/2011