2025 Session Last amended: 2023 session

§ 609.23 — Mistreatment of Persons Confined

Plain-Language Summary

It is a crime for anyone who works at or runs a public or private institution to intentionally abuse or mistreat a person held there who has a mental or physical disability or who is there by court order. This is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a fine up to $3,000, or both.

Practical Notes
This law protects people in hospitals, jails, care facilities, and other institutions from abuse by staff. If you witness mistreatment of a confined person, you should report it to the authorities. Violations can lead to criminal charges against the employee or person in charge.