Currently, e-charging — the electronic transmission of data and documents — can be used by law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts during the process of charging an adult with a crime.
Sponsored by Rep. Joe McDonald (R-Delano) and Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), a new law will expand the use of e-charging for apprehending, prosecuting or adjudicating juveniles or adults for a crime, delinquent act or petty misdemeanor. It will also include use by the Department of Public Safety in its administration of license revocations under the implied consent law.
Supporters said that e-charging eliminates paper, eliminates errors made by redundant data entry and reduces the use of officer time for transporting charging documents for signature and filing.
A cost study conducted by Carver County indicated the change could save about $500,000 over the next five years.
HF1270/
SF881*/CH91
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
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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