MN HF4387

Law enforcement officers must make reasonable efforts to locate respondents to serve orders for protection and harassment restraining orders, including searches of public information, government databases, and communication with other agencies.

Orders for protection and harassment restraining orders may be served electronically or by first class mail when the respondent appears remotely for a hearing, and dismissal orders may be served by certified mail.

Peace officers, probation officers, court services officers, parole officers, and corrections officers must assist in locating respondents and provide information about their whereabouts; officers serving orders must notify probation or parole officers if the respondent is on supervised release.

Filing fees for orders for protection and harassment restraining orders are waived for petitioners and respondents, and the court must pay for private process server costs when law enforcement is unavailable or service is by publication.

Task Force on Domestic Violence and Firearms is established with 11 members from law enforcement, victim advocacy, courts, and legal organizations to review firearm surrender laws and report findings and recommendations to the legislature by February 1, 2025.