Minnesota House Passes Judiciary and Civil Law Policy Bill

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House passed HF 3872, the Judiciary and Civil Law Policy bill. The bill continues the House Democrats' work from last year to build a system that will more equitably serve the people of Minnesota.

The bill takes action to protect judicial officials from harmful doxxing practices by making it a crime to publish the personal information of judicial officials in Minnesota with intent to threaten or cause harm. It also protects vulnerable Minnesotans by holding guardians accountable if they cause harm or neglect their duties. 

“After such an impactful package of investments last year, I’m pleased our committee was able to follow up with a strong policy bill which makes several important reforms,” said Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL - Roseville), author of the Judiciary and Civil Law Policy bill. “Our legislation improves the justice system in Minnesota, making it a better place to live for all Minnesotans.”

The legislation also takes several practical steps to improve the judicial process. These reforms include provisions like expanding the rights of jurors to make their civic duty easier, and allowing out-of-state court examiners to perform remote examinations in Minnesota if they are part of an approved interstate compact. Lastly, it makes important technical fixes like updating the ante-nuptial “prenup” law to apply to all couples, not just heterosexual couples.

This policy bill builds on last year's success when lawmakers made historic investments in public defense and civil legal services, the creation of an Office of Appellate Counsel, the protection of students’ personal information, and the elimination of court document fees. Many of these investments are already having the intended positive effect, such as more attorneys choosing to enter public defense.

Video of the floor session is available on House Public Information Services YouTube channel.

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