MN HF3052

Establishes a Sex Offender Civil Commitment Screening Unit as an independent entity with statewide jurisdiction to evaluate individuals for civil commitment under chapter 253D using evidence-based assessment standards and validated risk assessment instruments.

Creates a statewide judicial panel under the Supreme Court with district judges to preside over commitment proceedings for sexually dangerous persons and persons with sexual psychopathic personalities, replacing individual county court proceedings.

Establishes a Sex Offender Civil Commitment Defense Office to provide defense counsel representation for respondents and committed persons in chapter 253D proceedings, with costs paid by the state beyond a specified threshold.

Modifies the civil commitment process by requiring cases to be submitted to the Screening Unit before petition filing, with exceptions when the unit cannot meet 48-hour deadlines before inmate release or when good cause is demonstrated.

Prohibits passes for persons committed under chapter 253D and removes pass-eligible status provisions for sexually dangerous persons and those with sexual psychopathic personalities, while appropriating funds for both the Screening Unit and Defense Office operations.