MN HF1929

Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission executive director must conduct a study of racial disparity in sentencing recommendations by county attorney and public defender offices.

County attorney and public defender offices must gather and provide racial data on sentencing recommendations for each defendant they represent.

Study must examine factors influencing sentence negotiations, use of discretion, rationale for presumptive/aggravated/reduced sentences, and office policies affecting sentencing recommendations.

Commissioner of Corrections must study the efficacy and access to reentry services, expungement processes, and culturally competent treatment programs for minority offenders, with findings aimed at reducing recidivism.

Both studies must be completed and reported to the House and Senate committees with criminal justice jurisdiction by December 31, 2014.