Criminal investigation active period of time modified regarding investigative data.
Impact
If enacted, HF1893 would lead to a significant adjustment in how investigative data is handled by law enforcement agencies in Minnesota. The bill supports the protection of sensitive information during active investigations, which may encourage more thorough and unencumbered investigative processes. However, once investigations become inactive, the bill provides mechanisms for the public to petition for access to the data, thereby supporting transparency while balancing it against the need for confidentiality in ongoing cases.
Summary
House File 1893 aims to modify the time period that criminal investigative data is deemed active, thereby altering the provisions under Minnesota Statutes section 13.82 concerning data classification during investigations. By defining the circumstances under which an investigation is active or inactive, the bill seeks to clarify what data can be classified as confidential or public. Specifically, data collected by law enforcement agencies during an active investigation may not be disclosed to the public until the case reaches an inactive status, at which point accessibility could be authorized under certain conditions.
Contention
The discussion surrounding HF1893 may center on the balance between transparency and the need for confidentiality in law enforcement operations. Supporters of the bill might argue that it is essential to keep investigative data secret to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations and to safeguard the privacy of individuals involved. Conversely, opponents could point to potential abuses of confidentiality that may impede accountability and hinder public access to information that could affect community trust in law enforcement.
Notable_points
HF1893's unique provisions allow individuals to appeal for the release of investigative data even during active cases under judicial scrutiny. This aspect may raise questions about the appropriate limits of public access to sensitive data and how courts will weigh public interest against the potential harm to ongoing investigations.
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.
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Violent Crime Enforcement Teams gun trafficking investigations and firearms seizures report requirement, trigger activator definition modification, and penalties increase for transferring certain firearms to persons who are ineligible to possess firearms
Data held by law enforcement agencies regarding person or entity that posted bail made public, and notice to agency having custody of arrested or detained person when bail or bond is posted required.
Gun trafficking investigations and firearm seizures report required by Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Violent Crime Enforcement Teams, trigger activator definition amended, and transferring firearms to persons who are ineligible to possess firearms penalties increased.
Data held by law enforcement agencies regarding the person or entity that posted bail public status establishment; notice to the agency having custody or the arrested or detained person when bail or a bond is posted requirement