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SF 1295

Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee requirement that the commissioner of corrections to house only biological female inmates provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julia Coleman

Requires MCF-Shakopee to house only biological female inmates, basing housing on sex assigned at birth and guiding facility policy and operations.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 1295

SF 1295 — Minnesota Correctional Facility–Shakopee housing requirement (biological female inmates)

Overview

SF 1295 would require the Commissioner of Corrections to house only biological female inmates at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Shakopee (MCF-Shakopee). The bill was introduced on February 13, 2025 and referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committee. A companion bill is HF 435.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a housing policy at MCF-Shakopee that restricts inmate housing to those who are biological females (i.e., tied to sex assigned at birth).
  • Shift or specify housing decisions at MCF-Shakopee based on biological sex rather than gender identity.

Key provisions (as indicated by title and summary)

  • mandate: The commissioner of corrections must house only biological female inmates at MCF-Shakopee.
  • scope: Applies specifically to the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Shakopee (no broader facility-wide or system-wide housing requirements indicated in the provided summary).
  • governance: The bill identifies the Minnesota Department of Corrections and its commissioner as the responsible authority for implementing and enforcing the housing requirement at the facility.

Affected parties and entities

  • Inmates at MCF-Shakopee (specifically, those who are biological females would be housed at this facility under the bill).
  • Minnesota Department of Corrections and the Commissioner of Corrections (responsible for policy implementation and day-to-day operations at MCF-Shakopee).
  • Staff and administrators at MCF-Shakopee who manage housing assignments.
  • Potentially, individuals at other facilities who might be impacted by housing realignment or transfer decisions.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduction and first reading: February 13, 2025.
  • Referral: Judiciary and Public Safety.
  • Related bill: HF 435 (companion).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Operational: Could require realignment of housing assignments at MCF-Shakopee and associated staffing/workflows.
  • Legal and rights considerations: Housing inmates by biological sex may raise civil rights and constitutional considerations; any legal challenges or regulatory compliance questions would likely surface during committee review and potential litigation if enacted.
  • Policy implications: Clarifies a direct policy choice regarding facility-specific housing based on biological sex; may influence practices at other facilities or prompt further legislative exploration.
  • Fiscal impact: Not specified in the provided information; potential costs could include policy changes, staff training, and housing transfers.

Next steps for observers

  • Monitor committee actions in Judiciary and Public Safety for SF 1295, including any amendments, hearings, or votes.
  • Review HF 435 for parallel provisions or differences.
  • Track any digital or printed bill text releases for explicit definitions, exceptions, or effective dates.

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

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