This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 257C.08, to modify visitation rights for minor children, particularly in cases where a parent is deceased. The bill specifies that if a parent is deceased, the parents and grandparents of the deceased parent shall have visitation rights if it is determined to be in the best interests of the minor child. Additionally, it introduces a new subdivision that allows grandparents or great-grandparents to petition for reasonable visitation rights if a substantial established relationship with the minor child exists. The court must find that such visitation is in the child's best interests and would not interfere with the parent-child relationship, or that the child's environment may endanger their health.

Furthermore, the bill repeals subdivision 2 of section 257C.08, which previously outlined visitation rights for unmarried minor children in family court proceedings. The new provisions emphasize the importance of maintaining relationships with grandparents or great-grandparents and include considerations for mediation to resolve disputes. The amendments are effective retroactively from January 1, 2022, and allow for reconsideration of prior cases based on the new criteria.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 257C.08