This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance the rights of parents with disabilities in family law matters, specifically regarding adoption, child protection, and custody. It introduces supportive parenting services aimed at ensuring that a parent's disability does not serve as a basis for denying adoption or limiting custody and parenting time. The bill stipulates that courts and agencies cannot deny a prospective parent's ability to adopt solely based on their disability, and if concerns arise, the burden of proof lies with the party raising the disability as an issue. Additionally, if a court decides to limit a parent's rights, it must provide specific written findings explaining the rationale and why supportive services could not be a reasonable accommodation.

The bill also defines "supportive parenting services" and outlines the criteria for what constitutes a disability, aligning with the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. It mandates that courts must offer supportive services to parents with disabilities and requires written findings if a child is removed from a parent's home or if a parent's custody or visitation rights are restricted. The provisions of this bill will take effect on August 1, 2024, and will apply to all relevant pleadings and motions filed on or after that date.

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