MN SF1035

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 135A.15 to add definitions for "retaliation" and "sexual assault" to campus sexual misconduct laws, and expands the definition of "sexual misconduct" to include nonconsensual dissemination of deepfakes depicting intimate parts or sexual acts

Requires postsecondary institutions to establish a formal sexual misconduct grievance process that provides impartial, timely, and thorough investigations, with remedial actions including disciplinary measures, alternative resolution options with party consent, and academic or residential supportive measures

Mandates due process protections for responding parties, including written notice of allegations with specific details, and requires institutions to hold a hearing if requested by either the reporting or responding party

Establishes equal rights for both parties to present evidence, retain an advisor (who may be an attorney), review investigative reports, and question credibility of the other party through written remarks or cross-examination conducted by advisors rather than parties directly

Requires institutions to apply a preponderance of the evidence standard, notify parties at least 24 hours before rendering decisions, provide mental health resources with outcome notices, and maintain policies addressing retaliation against participants in the grievance process