This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to provide specific rights and protections for blind parents in matters of adoption, child protection, and custody. It establishes that courts and agencies cannot deny a blind person's ability to adopt based solely on their blindness, requiring that any concerns about the parent's ability to care for a child must be substantiated with clear evidence of specific behaviors that could endanger the child's health or safety. Additionally, the bill mandates that supportive parenting services be offered to blind parents to help address any concerns, and if a court denies or limits a blind parent's rights, it must provide written justification for its decision.

The bill also stipulates that allegations of a child's need for protection cannot be based solely on a parent's blindness, and any such claims must demonstrate specific behaviors that threaten the child's welfare. Furthermore, it ensures that courts cannot restrict a blind parent's custody or visitation rights without clear evidence of potential harm to the child, and similar provisions for supportive services apply. Definitions for "blindness" and "supportive parenting services" are included to clarify the terms used in the legislation.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 259.53, 260C.201, 518.1751