Update the Hardel Sherrell Act (HF 4923 | SF 5130)

In 2021, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Hardel Sherrell Act, named after 27-year old Hardel Sherrell who died in Beltrami County jail after being denied medical care. The bill was intended to prevent future deaths in Minnesota jails by ensuring that people in custody receive the physical and mental healthcare they need and are treated with dignity and respect.

At least 60 people have died in Minnesota jails since 2018. And although the Hardel Sherrell Act was passed in 2021 aiming to prevent future deaths, more people have died in Minnesota jails each year than the year prior. It's clear that, despite lawmakers' good intentions, jails are not being adequately compelled to provide necessary and life-saving care to people in their custody. Now, lawmakers must ensure that the Hardel Sherrell Act is working as intended to prevent deaths in Minnesota jails. With jail deaths in Minnesota continuing to rise, it's clear that additional steps are necessary to protect people who are incarcerated and bring Minnesota jails into compliance with the law.

The Legislature should not leave it to grieving families to seek change. Lawmakers should amend the Hardel Sherrell Act now, to ensure that jails meet their responsibility for people in their custody.

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