Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1594

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Conservation officers prohibited from conducting searches or seizures without a warrant or court order, and receipts to be provided to persons from whom property is seized required.

Impact

If enacted, HF1594 would bring significant changes to the enforcement powers of conservation officers, ensuring that property can only be seized under strict legal criteria. This alteration would enhance the legal protections available to citizens regarding their property and privacy rights, mirroring protections found in other areas of law. The bill also mandates that receipts be provided to individuals from whom property is seized, promoting transparency and accountability within law enforcement practices.

Summary

House File 1594 is a legislative proposal aimed at regulating the authority of conservation officers in Minnesota regarding the conduct of searches and seizures. The bill explicitly prohibits conservation officers from conducting any searches or seizures of property without a warrant or a court order, unless there is an immediate danger to human life or consent is given by the individual. This measure seeks to provide greater protections for individuals' rights against unwarranted searches, aligning with broader legal standards that govern law enforcement activities.

Contention

The introduction of HF1594 may generate discussions and concerns among lawmakers and the public regarding the balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of individual rights. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step in safeguarding citizens from potential abuses of power by conservation officers. However, opponents may contend that restricting the ability of conservation officers to act swiftly in certain situations could hinder their effectiveness in protecting natural resources and enforcing conservation laws. Debates may arise surrounding the implications this bill has on public safety and conservation efforts.

Notable_points

Additionally, HF1594 seeks to amend various statutes related to the authority and operations of conservation officers. Notably, it outlines specific circumstances under which property can be seized, thus clarifying existing statutory language and providing a more structured approach to handling searches and seizures in the context of natural resource management.

Companion Bills

MN SF956

Similar To Searches and seizures without a warrant or court order by conservation officers prohibition and requiring receipts to be provided for persons from whom property is seized

Previously Filed As

MN HF1893

Right of citizens to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures provided to include protection against unreasonable searches and seizures of electronic communications and data, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MN SF2389

Constitutional amendment providing that the right of citizens to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures includes protection against unreasonable searches and seizures of electronic communications and data

MN SF951

Constitutional amendment proposition to provide that the right of citizens to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures to include protection against unreasonable searches and seizures of electronic communications and data

MN HF3851

Consent searches by peace officers prohibited, and use of odor of marijuana as the basis to search motor vehicle prohibited.

MN SF3938

Peace officers consent search and use of order of marijuana as the basis of a search prohibitions

MN HF3791

New electronic license system provided, and conforming changes made.

MN HF4387

Personal service of orders for protection, restraining orders, and related notices provided; law enforcement officers required to make reasonable efforts to locate respondents; certain orders for protection and harassment restraining orders allowed to be served by mail; mail orders dismissing harassment restraining orders mail service allowed; probation agents and others required to assist law enforcement officers in locating respondents; notice of served orders for protection or harassment restraining orders required to be provided to probation officers; Task Force on Domestic Violence and Firearms established; and report required.

MN HF3310

Collateral Consequences of Conviction Model Act enacted, other law regarding collateral consequences and rehabilitation of criminal offenders conformed with the model act, and money appropriated.

MN SF2577

Paperless angling, hunting, and trapping licenses requirement unless requested in paper format; appropriating money

MN SF3313

Collateral Consequences of Conviction Model Act

Similar Bills

MN HF916

Tax expenditure provisions modified, and past tax expenditure purpose statements provided.

MN HF3284

REAL ID implementation law repealed.

MN SF3492

REAL ID implementation law repealer

MN HF20

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MN SF32

Wage credits modification and reimbursement provision; unemployment insurance aid establishment and appropriation

MN SF4803

Various independent school district construction projects sales and use tax exemption provision and appropriation

MN HF4840

Refundable sales and use tax exemptions provided for independent school district construction projects.

MN HF5267

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