MN SF128

Amends Minnesota Statutes sections 253B.08, 253B.12, and 253D.28 to clarify that civil commitment hearings may be conducted by interactive video conference under General Rules of Practice, rule 131, and Minnesota Rules of Civil Commitment, rule 14.

Permits initial civil commitment hearings to be held by interactive video conference in addition to in-person courtroom proceedings that meet local court rule standards.

Allows review hearings on civil commitments (which must occur within 14 days of receiving required reports) to be conducted by interactive video conference.

Enables judicial appeal panel hearings on petitions for rehearing and reconsideration of civil commitments to be conducted by interactive video conference.

Maintains existing notice requirements and procedural protections for all parties while establishing video conference as an available alternative to in-person hearings.