A series of new laws, rules, and policies are set to take effect on January 1, 2024. These changes encompass various areas including firearms restrictions, court procedures, and media coverage in criminal proceedings.
An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) can now be requested by a family or household member, a chief law enforcement officer, a city or county attorney, or a guardian. This order prohibits the respondent from purchasing or possessing a firearm while it is active.
In certain cases, courts are required to issue a Sign and Release Warrant for defendants. This type of warrant does not authorize arrest but instead allows law enforcement to serve and clear the warrant by providing the defendant with a new court date.
Additionally, Minnesota's Pretrial Risk Assessment Form and Tool has undergone revisions.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has also amended the rules concerning audio and visual coverage of criminal proceedings. Interested parties can read the Court’s order as well as access related forms such as the Notice of Coverage and Victim/Witness forms along with Form CRM903 Agreement to Visual of Audio Coverage.