Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1510

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Presentence investigation reports authorized to include information related to brain injury.

Impact

HF1510 seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 609.115, to include the implications of traumatic brain injuries in legal assessments. This change signifies a step towards a more nuanced approach to sentencing that acknowledges mental health conditions as a factor in offender behavior. By requiring examinations when a history of brain injury is present, the bill may lead to more tailored rehabilitation options and mental health considerations in rulings, which could further influence resource allocation within the judicial and correctional systems.

Summary

House File 1510 is a legislative proposal aimed at improving the accuracy and effectiveness of presentence investigation reports by incorporating information related to defendants' brain injuries or strokes. Specifically, it mandates that courts inquire about such medical histories during felony convictions. When relevant, the bill requires the court to consider a neuropsychological examination to determine whether the defendant had the capacity for judgment during the commission of an offense. This addition aims to ensure that any mental impairments stemming from brain injury are appropriately taken into account during the judicial process.

Contention

The focus on brain injuries in criminal cases has generated various viewpoints. Advocates of the bill argue that recognizing mental impairments could lead to more just outcomes and assist in diverting individuals towards treatment rather than punishment. Critics may raise concerns about the implementation and consistency of such examinations, questioning whether they could delay judicial proceedings or introduce complexities that complicate the sentencing process. Ensuring that all defendants receive adequate evaluations without imposing inequitable burdens on the court system is a central point of debate amongst legislators.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MN HF3614

Public safety; policy and technical changes made to provisions including crime victim policy, criminal justice reform, public safety policy, predatory offenders, and corrections policy; crimes established; penalties provided; data classified; and reports required.

MN SF5338

Attorney adviser of guardian ad litem in settlement agreements for cases where a party has a brain injury authorization; 2022 structure settlement laws and report to the legislature study requirement

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 HF226

Prosecutor-initiated sentence adjustments established, and sentencing reporting required.

MN SF4324

Public safety provisions modification, grants authorization for emergency needs of gun victims, focused deterrence models to reduce group-related homicide and gun violence grant authorization, Violent Crime Coordinating Council additional position added and appropriations

MN HF4277

Mandatory minimum sentences for offenses involving possession or use of firearm or other dangerous weapon eliminated, victim crime reporting requirements modified, Task Force on Mandatory Minimum Sentences created, grants related to alleviating gun violence established, and money appropriated.

MN HF5216

Judiciary, public safety, and corrections supplemental budget bill.

MN SF4271

Omnibus Judiciary and Public Safety policy bill

MN HF4048

Department of Corrections; various provisions modified relating to data sharing, correctional officer use of deadly force, electronic filing of detainer, disclosure to victims of city and zip codes of offender after incarceration, disqualifying medical conditions, health care peer review committee, jail inspection data, medical director designee, Supervised Release Board, probation report date, and comprehensive community supervision and probation services.

MN HF1510

Public safety; various provisions modified relating to public safety commissioner authorization to accept donations or other gifts of money; Minnesota Hazardous Materials Incident Response Act; bomb disposal cost reimbursement; smoke alarms; questioned identity process; Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information Advisory Group; victim notification of plea, sentencing, and sentencing modification hearings; and reimbursement act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.