Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF3950

Introduced
2/19/24  

Caption

City attorneys authorized to take actions including filing delinquency petitions for offenses committed by a juvenile, prosecuting felony offenses and gross misdemeanor offenses, and issuing administrative subpoenas in certain cases; and conforming changes made.

Impact

The legislation alters the existing framework of juvenile justice by allowing city attorneys to prosecute certain types of offenses directly, representing a shift towards localized legal authority in handling juvenile cases. By permitting city attorneys to engage in these proceedings, the bill aims to address juvenile crime more efficiently while reducing the burden on state-level prosecutors. This could lead to faster resolution of cases and allow local legal systems to respond more directly to specific community issues surrounding juvenile delinquency.

Summary

HF3950 authorizes city attorneys to take specific legal actions concerning juveniles, including the ability to file delinquency petitions for offenses committed by minors. The bill enables city prosecutors to leverage their resources more effectively by addressing serious offenses, namely felony and gross misdemeanor offenses, that may involve juvenile offenders. This extension of authority aims to streamline and strengthen the response of the legal system to juvenile offenses within various municipalities.

Contention

There may be concerns surrounding the implementation of HF3950. Advocates of the bill argue that empowering city attorneys will enhance the ability to tackle juvenile crime effectively, thereby improving public safety and community responses to youth offenses. In contrast, some critics might express apprehension regarding potential overreach and the consequences of localizing juvenile prosecution, possibly leading to inconsistencies in handling similar cases across different municipalities. The balance between restorative justice approaches for juveniles and the need for accountability remains a critical point of debate.

Companion Bills

MN SF4273

Similar To City and county attorney authorizations and provisions modifications and making conforming changes

Previously Filed As

MN HF4970

City attorneys authorized to file delinquency petitions for offenses committed by a juvenile when a county attorney declines to file a petition, city attorneys authorized to prosecute felony and gross misdemeanor offenses in certain cases, and city attorneys authorized to issue administrative subpoenas in certain cases.

MN HF1188

City attorneys authorized to file delinquency petitions for certain offenses committed by a juvenile when a county attorney declines to file a petition, city attorneys authorized to prosecute certain felony and gross misdemeanor offenses when a county attorney declines to prosecute, administrative subpoenas issuance authorized, and conforming changes made.

MN HF698

City attorneys authorized to file delinquency petitions for certain offenses committed by a juvenile when a county attorney declines to file a petition, city attorneys authorized to prosecute certain felony and gross misdemeanor offenses when a county attorney declines to prosecute, administrative subpoenas issuance authorized, and conforming changes made.

MN SF4273

City and county attorney authorizations and provisions modifications and making conforming changes

MN SF5059

City attorneys authorizations provisions modifications and conforming changes

MN HF3480

Jurisdiction of juvenile courts extended to individuals under age 21, individuals aged 16 to 20 who are alleged to have committed murder in first degree included in definition of delinquent child, other provisions related to delinquency and juvenile courts modified, and technical and conforming changes made.

MN SF555

City attorneys provisions modifications and authorizations

MN HF3991

Restorative practices restitution program created, ability of court to order fine in delinquency proceeding or juvenile major water or traffic offender proceeding eliminated, and conforming and technical changes made.

MN HF3671

Delinquent child, juvenile petty offender, and child in need of protection or services definitions modified.

MN SB943

Relating to contempt of court committed by certain juvenile offenders and the detention of certain juvenile offenders.

Similar Bills

MN HF698

City attorneys authorized to file delinquency petitions for certain offenses committed by a juvenile when a county attorney declines to file a petition, city attorneys authorized to prosecute certain felony and gross misdemeanor offenses when a county attorney declines to prosecute, administrative subpoenas issuance authorized, and conforming changes made.

MN HF157

Tax increment financing; special rules authorized for the city of Maplewood.

MN SF555

City attorneys provisions modifications and authorizations

MN HF1188

City attorneys authorized to file delinquency petitions for certain offenses committed by a juvenile when a county attorney declines to file a petition, city attorneys authorized to prosecute certain felony and gross misdemeanor offenses when a county attorney declines to prosecute, administrative subpoenas issuance authorized, and conforming changes made.

MN SF4273

City and county attorney authorizations and provisions modifications and making conforming changes

MN HF4970

City attorneys authorized to file delinquency petitions for offenses committed by a juvenile when a county attorney declines to file a petition, city attorneys authorized to prosecute felony and gross misdemeanor offenses in certain cases, and city attorneys authorized to issue administrative subpoenas in certain cases.

MN SF5059

City attorneys authorizations provisions modifications and conforming changes

MN HF2023

Clean Slate Act established, automatic expungement process provided for offenders, waiting periods modified for expungements that require petition, offenses that are eligible for expungement amended, records received and retained by Bureau of Criminal Apprehension modified, creation of database required, data classified, and money appropriated.