MN HF3509

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 595.02, subdivision 1, to establish witness privilege protections for domestic abuse advocates.

Domestic abuse advocates may not disclose opinions or information received from or about victims without victim consent, unless ordered by the court.

When determining whether to compel disclosure, courts must weigh the public interest and need for disclosure against the effect on the victim, the advocate-victim relationship, and impact on services.

Defines "domestic abuse advocate" as an employee or supervised volunteer from a community-based domestic abuse program eligible for grants under section 611A.32, who is not employed by law enforcement, prosecutor offices, or government agencies.

Does not exempt domestic abuse advocates from mandatory reporting requirements under section 626.557 and chapter 260E; becomes effective July 1, 2024.