SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House Judiciary and Civil Law Division held a remote hearing this morning to discuss a number of proposals related to the court system during the COVID-19 pandemic. With new legislative procedures in place to ensure compliance with social distancing guidelines, it was the panel’s first hearing conducted via video conference.
“During this unprecedented peacetime emergency, we’ve all had to adapt to the new situation in a variety of ways, including changes to how we deliver justice under the law,” said Rep. John Lesch (DFL – Saint Paul), the committee chair. “We’ve worked hard to reach consensus on these key issues that allow important legal mechanisms, like marriages and wills, to proceed, while ensuring members of the public, staff, and officers of the court can all remain safe and healthy.”
The division discussed, amended, and approved three bills. HF 1197, authored by Rep. Lesch, contains a proposal from the Minnesota Judicial Branch to temporarily suspend statutory deadlines in district and appellate courts. HF 1196, also authored by Rep. Lesch, provides a “harmless error” exception which will remove barriers toward proper execution of a will. HF 798, authored by Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL – Shoreview), contains a request from district court and county officials to delay child support cost-of-living adjustments.
While not officially introduced yet, the committee also discussed a bipartisan proposal to allow for marriage license applications during the peacetime emergency without appearing in person.
Video of the hearing is available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.