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Minn. lawmakers outline bipartisan domestic-violence reforms set to take effect Aug. 1
Summary
Legislators summarized a broad, bipartisan domestic violence package that expands arrest authority, tightens firearm-surrender enforcement, funds victim services, clarifies property remedies for survivors and creates a domestic violence task force; the laws take effect Aug. 1.
Representative Kelly Mueller, cochair of the House public safety committee, opened a briefing on the new domestic-violence laws, saying the package passed this session and "goes into effect on August 1." Mueller described the measures as bipartisan and aimed at making the justice system work better for victims and survivors.
"The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500 percent," Mueller said, framing the legislation as a public-safety and public-health response. The package includes expanded arrest windows, new requirements for courts and law enforcement to verify firearm surrender, enhanced data reporting to the BCA, funding for crime-victim services and a task force with 16 objectives to recommend further reforms.
Sen. Bonnie Wessel and Rep. Paul Novotny, among others at the briefing, emphasized the package balances expanded officer authority with improvements to documentation and victim services. Organizers urged Minnesotans to share information about the new laws and provided the statewide 24-hour crisis line (866-223-1111) for people who need immediate help.
