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HF 4614

Criminal immunity provided for certain acts committed by pregnant persons.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Samantha Sencer-Mura

The bill would grant criminal immunity for certain acts by pregnant persons related to pregnancy or delivery, under defined conditions and limits.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 4614

Summary: HF 4614 (Minnesota), 2025-2026 Session

Title

Criminal immunity provided for certain acts committed by pregnant persons.

Purpose and intent

HF 4614 proposes to grant criminal immunity to pregnant persons for specified acts undertaken in connection with pregnancy, delivery, or related circumstances. The bill aims to reduce legal risk for pregnant individuals when engaging in actions that may traditionally carry criminal liability, under particular conditions outlined in statute.

Key provisions and changes (proposed)

  • Immunity scope: The bill creates a statutory defense of criminal immunity for certain acts performed by a pregnant person. The precise acts and the boundaries of immunity (e.g., specific offenses, contexts, or thresholds) would be defined in the text of the bill.
  • Conditions and limitations: Immunity typically attaches only if the conduct meets defined criteria (e.g., acts performed with the purpose of preserving the health or safety of the fetus or the pregnant person, or acts arising from the pressures of pregnancy). The statute would specify which offenses are covered (such as common-law or statutory crimes related to harm, neglect, or endangerment) and any limitations or exceptions.
  • Relationship to other defenses: The immunity would operate as a criminal defense or exemption, potentially reducing or eliminating liability in cases meeting the criteria. It may coexist with other defenses and would not necessarily preclude civil liability or administrative consequences.
  • Prohibition against misuse: The bill is likely to include safeguards to prevent misuse of immunity (e.g., to excuse violent wrongdoing outside the pregnancy context or to cover acts not reasonably connected to pregnancy).

Who would be affected

  • Pregnant individuals: Primary beneficiaries, who could rely on the immunity defense when their conduct falls within the defined scope.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts: The immunity would influence charging decisions, trial strategy, and potential jury instructions. Prosecutors would determine whether a case fits within the immunity criteria.
  • Victims and the broader public: Possible changes in liability outcomes could affect cases involving harm to pregnant individuals or their fetuses, with potential impacts on reporting and investigation dynamics.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: HF 4614 was introduced and referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee on March 23, 2026.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would progress through committee hearings, potential amendments, and full chamber consideration. Any fiscal impact (costs to the criminal justice system or state agencies) would be analyzed during committee deliberations.

Additional notes

  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Samantha Sencer-Mura.
  • Status: Introduction and first reading completed as of 2026-03-23. No final passage status provided in the current record.

This summary focuses on the bill’s stated aim to grant criminal immunity for certain acts by pregnant persons, outlining the likely structure and impact while noting that the exact text would specify the eligible acts, conditions, and limitations. For a complete understanding, reviewing the bill’s full language and committee materials once available is recommended.

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

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