MN SF4387

Eliminates civil enforcement authority of the attorney general for violations of peacetime or national security emergency orders and rules, leaving only criminal penalties (misdemeanor: up to $1,000 fine or 90 days imprisonment).

Allows individuals and businesses to petition courts for relief if they were penalized for violating Executive Order 20-01 (declared March 13, 2020) related to opening or operating a business.

Eligible penalties for relief include criminal convictions (petty misdemeanor through gross misdemeanor), civil penalties of any amount, or suspension/revocation of professional or business licenses.

Courts must vacate convictions, forgive civil penalties with refunds, reinstate revoked licenses, and award all legal costs and reasonable attorney fees to prevailing petitioners.

Petition hearings must be held within 90 days of filing, with the petition served on the attorney general and filed in the county where the business was located.