SF 706 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Court consideration of allegations against a parent of domestic abuse or child abuse in dissolution, child custody, and parenting time proceedings requirement

This bill requires Minnesota courts to explicitly consider allegations of domestic abuse or child abuse when making decisions about child custody, parenting time, and divorce proceedings. It adds specific factors to the "best interests of the child" analysis, mandating courts evaluate the nature, context, and safety implications of any abuse history in the household. The bill also requires courts to appoint guardians ad litem (child advocates) with specialized training in domestic and child abuse when abuse is alleged. These changes directly affect parents in custody disputes, courts handling such cases, and child advocates appointed in abuse-related proceedings. The policy shifts focus to prioritizing child safety and well-being when abuse allegations are present.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 27, 2025 Last action Jan 27, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
upper
Jan 27, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Eric Lucero
Eric Lucero
RRepublican
MN
30