Saint Paul, MN. – Today the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Department of Corrections Omnibus Policy Bill, HF 1355. Authored by the Chair of the Public Safety committee, Chair Kelly Moller (DFL - Shoreview), the bill makes several policy and technical changes brought forward by the DOC.
“This bill makes important changes to our public safety system which will improve outcomes across the board,” said Chair Moller. “I want to thank the Department of Corrections for bringing forward these critical changes and working with the House to ensure its timely passage.”
While many of the policy changes are technical in nature, the bill will have a positive impact and improve outcomes throughout the corrections system. The changes include the following:
Aligns substance use disorder treatment standards of care with community standards and updated DHS standards.
Directs the DOC to implement a language access plan for inmates with limited English proficiency.
Grants the commissioner the authority to issue a warrant when an individual who was given a report date to prison fails to report.
Authorizes the commissioner to operate the Challenge Incarceration Program at the state’s only women’s prison in Shakopee.
Provides the DOC with the authority to place juveniles who are sentenced as adults in the most appropriate setting.
Adds community supervision agents to the list of positions eligible for line of duty death benefits.
The testimony and discussion of the bill will be uploaded to the House Information Youtube page. The bill is currently working through the Minnesota Senate Committee Process.
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