HF 3481 Minnesota House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Prosecuting authorities required to seek protective order for certain evidence clearly offensive to common sensibilities, and classification of certain inactive criminal investigative data clarified.

HF 3481 requires prosecutors in criminal cases involving "crimes of violence" to seek court-ordered protective measures for specific sensitive evidence to prevent unnecessary public disclosure. It specifically mandates protective orders for 911 call recordings made by minors or their family members, and video footage showing minors (victims or family) captured by body cameras or police vehicle cameras. The bill clarifies that such evidence, if clearly offensive to common sensibilities, must remain private even if previously presented in court. This applies to cases commenced on or after August 1, 2026, and does not affect defendants' rights to access evidence under criminal procedure rules. The law directly affects minor victims, their families, and prosecutors handling violent crime cases in Minnesota.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 19, 2026 Last action Feb 19, 2026
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Feb 19, 2026
Introduced
Introduction and first reading, referred to Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

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