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.
Pretrial Data Transparency Act
Reported and available data on the pretrial system is sparse, with no statewide source of information. This bill would improve the transparency of our state's pretrial system by requiring the collection, analysis, and sharing of data on pretrial bail cases.
This bill is in collaboration with the Pretrial Justice MN Coalition.
Drug Free Zone Revisions
This bill clarifies and narrows Minnesota’s “drug-free zones” by removing unclear language and shrinking the distance where enhanced drug penalties apply.
This bill is in collaboration with the Impact MN Coalition.
Clarifying the Sunsetting of Supervision Fees
Minnesota is set to sunset supervision fees in 2029. Legislation is needed to define and clarify which fees will be sunsetted.
This bill is written by MNJRC.
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.
Graduated Sanctions for Technical Violations
This legislation would provide supervision officers with a pre-established set of consequences for when someone gets a technical violation, giving officers more options, potentially decreasing unnecessary incarceration, and supporting behavior change with accountability.
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.
Prohibit the Use of Solitary Confinement
Solitary confinement can result in severe physical and psychological harm for incarcerated people. This bill advocates for the known, effective alternatives to solitary confinement to promote safety in prisons.
This bill is in collaboration with the Prison Safety Coalition.
Reduce Random Drug Testing
This bill eliminates the 10-year random drug testing provision that people with a felony drug conviction are subject to when receiving SNAP benefits. It removes discriminatory provisions of drug convictions that do not apply to other individuals with felony convictions.
This bill is in collaboration with the Impact MN Coalition.
Nonfatal Shootings Clearance
Minnesota is underfunding and understaffing the most important thing law enforcement can do to prevent violent crime: solving cases. In 2024, only 47% of violent crimes reported to police in Minnesota were solved. This bill would direct state resources toward prioritizing nonfatal shooting investigations—the key to a safer future for all Minnesotans.
This bill is written by MNJRC.
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.
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.
Federal Government Accountability: Cause of Action for Violations of Civil Rights
When any government official, federal or state, violates someone’s constitutional rights in Minnesota, that person deserves a real path to seek justice. It is a fundamental principle of our democracy that no one is above the law—this bill is a tool to boost accountability, trust, and integrity of our government.
Coalitions
The MNJRC is a member of the following coalitions, collaborating with changemakers across the state to work towards a more just criminal legal system.
