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Bill Summary · SF 4873

Summary of SF 4873 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Title

Registry for repeat domestic violence offenders establishment

Purpose and Intent

SF 4873 proposes the creation of a formal registry to identify and track individuals who have repeated domestic violence (DV) offenses. The bill is designed to enhance public safety by providing law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts with timely access to information about repeat DV offenders. The registry aims to deter recidivism, support victim safety, and facilitate case handling and risk assessment by ensuring accurate, up-to-date offender data is readily available.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Establishment of a Domestic Violence Offender Registry: Creates a centralized registry that lists individuals who meet criteria for repeat DV offenses. The registry would be maintained and updated by a designated state agency (likely the judiciary or a relevant public safety agency, though the bill text would specify the exact administering entity).

  • Criteria for Inclusion: Defines what constitutes a “repeat” DV offender (e.g., multiple DV-related convictions, violations of protective orders, or specified DV-related offenses within a set period). The exact thresholds, offense types, and timeframes will be specified in the bill.

  • Data Collected: Specifies data elements to be recorded for each offender entry. Typical elements may include:

    • Offender identifying information (name, date of birth, aliases)
    • Conviction or charge details (offense type, date, court, case number)
    • Protective orders or restraining orders involved
    • Jurisdiction(s) and status of cases
    • Classification of offense severity and prior DV history

  • Access and Use: Outlines who can access the registry and for what purposes (e.g., law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, child welfare agencies, domestic violence programs). Also addresses privacy protections, data sharing with other states or federal systems, and documentation requirements for use.

  • Notification and Safeguards: Establishes procedures to protect victims’ information and reduce risk of retaliation. May include opt-out provisions or victim privacy protections where applicable.

  • Enrollment and Removal Procedures: Details how individuals are entered into the registry, how long they remain listed, and conditions for removal (e.g., expiration of qualifying offenses, completion of sentences, or successful court-ordered relief).

  • Enforcement and Oversight: Specifies responsible agencies for administration, updates, audits, error corrections, and compliance with state data privacy laws.

  • Funding and Implementation Timeline: If provided, identifies funding sources, budget allocations, and a timeline for implementation (e.g., phased rollout, effective date after enactment, and any required rulemaking).

Affected Parties

  • Offenders: Individuals convicted or identified as repeat DV offenders meeting the registry criteria become registrants, subject to ongoing data inclusion and accessibility by authorized users.
  • Law Enforcement: Agencies gain streamlined access to offender information to inform investigations and risk assessments.
  • Courts and Prosecutors: Courts can reference registry data for bail, sentencing considerations, and protective order enforcement; prosecutors use data for charging decisions and case management.
  • Victims and DV Services: Potentially enhanced safety planning and risk awareness through improved offender information, with privacy protections for victims.
  • Public and Community Organizations: Access may extend to designated DV programs, child welfare services, and others involved in safety planning and monitoring.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction and Readings: SF 4873 was introduced on March 26, 2026, with the first reading and referral to Judiciary and Public Safety on that date.
  • Sponsorship: Co-authored by Grant Hauschild, Heather Gustafson, and Susan Pha, indicating bipartisan or cross-chamber support considerations.
  • Next Steps: The bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Minnesota Legislature. If passed, it would require promulgation of rules and an implementation plan, followed by funding appropriations and a defined effective date.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Enhanced ability to monitor and manage the risk posed by repeat DV offenders.
  • Improved victim safety through more informed risk assessments and protective measures.
  • The balance between public safety and offender/victim privacy will be critical, with necessary safeguards to protect sensitive information.
  • Operational readiness depends on funding, data integration across agencies, and adherence to Minnesota data privacy standards.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, advocates, or members of the public) or add a hypothetical timeline based on common legislative procedures in Minnesota.

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

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