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SF 1372

Sentencing Guidelines Commission maintenance of a publicly searchable database requirement; appropriating money

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Howe and 2 co-sponsors

Requires the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission to run a publicly searchable sentencing data database and fund it, boosting transparency for researchers and the public.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
#commissions #datapracticesandprivacy #publicsafetyandpublicsafetydepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 1372

Summary: SF 1372 – Sentencing Guidelines Commission database and funding

Overview

SF 1372 would require the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (SGC) to maintain a publicly searchable database related to sentencing guideline data, and it would appropriate funds to support this effort. The bill is classified as a data practices and public safety measure and is currently referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committees. A House companion bill is HF 330.

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
  • Companion: HF 330

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to increase transparency by making sentencing guideline information accessible to the public through a publicly searchable database managed by the SGC.
  • The bill intends to provide state-level data on sentencing guidelines and related information in a centralized, online format, facilitating research, accountability, and public scrutiny.

Key Provisions (aspects likely covered in the bill)

  • Publicly searchable database: The SGC would be required to maintain and operate an online database that is accessible to the public. The bill would specify what data elements are included and how users can search and view information.
  • Data elements and access: The database would include sentencing guideline data maintained by the SGC. The precise data fields and search capabilities would be defined in the bill text (not provided here).
  • Data practices and privacy: Given the bill’s subject area, it would likely align with Minnesota data practices and privacy laws, including any applicable protections, exemptions, and procedures for handling sensitive information.
  • Funding and appropriation: The bill would authorize an appropriation to support the creation, maintenance, and operation of the database. The exact dollar amount and funding mechanism would appear in the bill’s appropriation section or fiscal note.
  • Reporting and oversight: The bill may require periodic reporting on database usage, maintenance, performance, and compliance with data privacy standards.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Primary: Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (SGC), which would build and maintain the database.
  • Public stakeholders: Researchers, journalists, policymakers, advocacy groups, and members of the public seeking sentencing guideline data.
  • Data governance: Potential interface with state agencies and data custodians to ensure data accuracy and privacy protections.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and first reading occurred on February 13, 2025.
  • The bill has been referred to two committees: Judiciary and Public Safety.
  • House companion: HF 330 (which may influence progress and amendments in the companion chamber).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Transparency benefits: Easier access to sentencing guideline information could enhance accountability and public understanding.
  • Privacy considerations: The database would need to balance transparency with privacy protections under Minnesota data practices laws; sensitive data would require appropriate safeguards or exemptions.
  • Implementation costs: The appropriation indicates a funding requirement; actual costs and fiscal effects will be clarified in the fiscal note.
  • Future steps: Monitor committee hearings, potential amendments, and the availability of the bill’s full text to assess specific data elements, search capabilities, and privacy safeguards.

Note: This summary reflects information available from the bill’s introductory materials. The full bill text would provide exact data elements, privacy standards, funding amounts, and implementation timelines.

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

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