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SF 3167

Cost of evidentiary examinations of victims in cases involving domestic assault by strangulation allocation authorization

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Kunesh-Podein

Authorizes state funding to cover forensic exams for domestic strangulation victims, reducing out-of-pocket costs and strengthening evidence for prosecutions

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 3167

Summary of SF 3167 — Cost of Evidentiary Examinations of Victims in Cases Involving Domestic Assault by Strangulation Allocation Authorization

Overview

SF 3167 is a Minnesota Senate file introduced on April 1, 2025. The bill proposes authorizing the allocation of state funds to cover the costs of evidentiary examinations for victims in cases involving domestic assault by strangulation. The measure has been referred to two committees: Judiciary and Public Safety.

Purpose and Intent

  • To ensure funding is available to cover the costs associated with evidentiary examinations for victims in domestic assault by strangulation cases.
  • Aims to reduce financial barriers that may prevent victims from undergoing appropriate forensic or medical examinations that can be critical for victim safety, documentation, and case development.

Key Provisions (as suggested by the title)

  • Authorization of state funding or allocations specifically designated for evidentiary examinations of victims in domestic assault by strangulation cases.
  • Establishment of a funding mechanism or program to reimburse or pay for the costs of such examinations.
  • Potential alignment or integration with existing health department or public safety funding streams, given the bill’s stated subject areas (Crimes and Criminals, Health and Health Department, Public Safety and Public Safety Department).
  • Possible administrative requirements, guidelines, or oversight to ensure funds are used for eligible examinations and victims.

Note: The exact statutory language, such as the funding amount, eligible costs, eligible providers, eligibility criteria for victims, administrative agencies, and reporting requirements, is not provided in the summary text available. The above reflects the principal purpose inferred from the bill title and status.

Affected Parties and Sectors

  • Victims of domestic assault by strangulation, who would potentially benefit from coverage of evidentiary examination costs.
  • Forensic medical providers, sexual assault nurse examiners, and other medical professionals who perform evidentiary examinations.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies that rely on forensic evidence from examinations.
  • State agencies involved in health, safety, and public safety (as indicated by the subject areas).

Procedural Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: April 1, 2025.
  • First actions: Introduction and first reading on the same date.
  • Current status: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety committees for consideration.
  • No enacted effective date or implementation timeline is provided in the available summary; those details would appear in the bill’s full text if enacted.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Positive impact: Reducing out-of-pocket costs for victims may encourage examinations, improve evidence collection, and support reporting and prosecution.
  • Fiscal impact: Implementation would require appropriation or reallocation of funds; specifics (amounts, funding source) would be determined in the bill’s text.
  • Implementation considerations: Establishing clear eligibility, eligible costs, provider standards, and oversight to ensure funds are used appropriately and efficiently.

Next Steps

  • Review the full bill text for precise definitions, funding mechanisms, eligibility criteria, eligible costs, and reporting requirements.
  • Monitor committee hearings in Judiciary and Public Safety for amendments, fiscal notes, and testimoney from stakeholders (victim advocates, prosecutors, health providers).

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to highlight specific provisions once the full text becomes available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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