We know that system change
doesn't happen without policy change.
Our goal is to make lasting change to the criminal legal system, and for us, that means using community-based research to inform policy decisions. From helping restore the voting rights of formerly incarcerated Minnesotans, to shutting down one of the state’s most antiquated prisons, our policy work has made a big difference.
2026 Legislative Session
Each spring, the MNJRC brings community concerns to the State Capitol—both on our own and as a member of several coalitions—and delivers results. Check out our policy priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
Expanding Investigative Capacity Through Pension Exceptions
Only 17% of property crimes are solved statewide. Meanwhile, police departments struggle with staffing shortages and lose decades of investigative expertise when experienced officers retire. This bill would allow cities to rehire retired peace officers as professional staff investigators without pension penalties. This puts experienced investigators back to work on property crimes and cold cases—at no additional pension cost to cities or the state.
This bill is written by MNJRC.
Investigative Specialist Grant Program
Crimes are getting solved at very low rates in Minnesota. We know that solving crimes deters criminal activity by catching offenders, brings justice for victims, and enhances police legitimacy. This bill would expand our state’s investigative capacity by bringing on Investigative Specialists, who are trained civilian professionals.
This bill is written by MNJRC.
End Public Defender Fees
The Sixth Amendment guarantees a right to a public defender. Yet defendants in Minnesota are charged a fee for that representation. By putting a price on this fundamental right, Minnesota punishes poor people and strips away their constitutional protections.
This bill is in collaboration with the Fines and Fees Justice Center.
Improving Sexual Assault Investigations Through Better Training
When victims have better experiences reporting crime, trust builds. Trust leads to smoother investigations, more cooperation, and ultimately, more cases solved and prosecuted. Better training for officers is one of the most important ways to improve investigations and outcomes. This bill ensures every officer has the skills to respond effectively and compassionately to victims reporting sexual violence.
This bill is written by MNJRC.
Smart Drug Testing for Supervised Release
Tens of thousands of Minnesotans are on supervised release after serving time. Most face mandatory, random drug testing regardless of their conviction or personal circumstances. This bill reduces unnecessary barriers to successful reentry, ensures drug testing serves a documented purpose, and reallocates resources to focus on supervised Minnesotans who actually have a demonstrated need for intervention.
This bill is written by MNJRC.
Ability to Pay Clarifications
Minnesota law already requires that courts waive many fees a person can’t pay. However, “ability to pay” is not clearly defined in statute. This bill sets clear standards so that people get equal treatment in every county in Minnesota.
This bill is in collaboration with the Fines and Fees Justice Center.