SF 4257 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Victim of domestic violence authorization to petition a court for an order releasing the victim from a shared wireless plan provision

This bill allows victims of domestic violence in Minnesota to ask a court for a specific order that removes them from a shared wireless phone plan with their abuser. The legislation amends existing state laws to add this relief option to the list of protections available in domestic violence restraining orders. By including this provision, the bill aims to help victims reduce contact with their abusers and improve their safety without needing to terminate the entire phone service. The court would issue this order upon request and after a hearing, making it part of the broader set of protections already available to domestic violence victims.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 9, 2026 Last action Mar 25, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction → 1st Engrossment · 5 edits · Mar 25, 2026

MODERATE

This bill updates the domestic violence protection order statute to include a specific provision for releasing victims from shared wireless phone plans. It clarifies that victims who are not the account holder can petition the court to transfer billing authority or remove themselves from the plan. The changes also expand the list of available relief in protection orders to explicitly include pet protection and a separate order for wireless plan release.

Scope change

The scope of relief available under domestic violence protection orders was expanded to explicitly include the transfer or release of victims from shared wireless plans and added specific protections for pets.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a new statutory provision allowing courts to issue separate orders to transfer billing authority or release victims from shared wireless plans when a protection order is granted.

REQUIREMENT

Added specific requirements for handling unpaid balances on shared accounts, including the provider's obligation to offer partitioned lines and additional time to pay.

Modified the list of available relief in protection orders to include specific clauses for restraining physical abuse of pets and issuing separate orders for wireless plan release.

DEFINITION

Added explicit definitions for 'wireless telecommunications service' and 'wireless telecommunications service provider' within the new section.

ENFORCEMENT

Added immunity provisions protecting wireless carriers from lawsuits when they comply with court orders to transfer or release phone numbers.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 25, 2026

Upper · Passed

Comm report: To pass as amended

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Committee

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Introduced

Introduction and first reading

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor