This bill establishes a legal remedy for victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault to terminate a joint interest in a contract for deed held by the perpetrator. It introduces a new section, [559.206] ACTION TO TERMINATE A PARTIAL INTEREST IN A CONTRACT FOR DEED BY A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, which outlines the definitions, procedures, and requirements for petitioning the court to terminate the respondent's interest in the contract. The bill specifies that a petitioner must demonstrate that they or a child residing with them has been subjected to domestic abuse, criminal sexual assault, sexual extortion, or harassment by the respondent, and that the respondent has abandoned their interest in the contract for deed. The process includes serving a summons, providing a qualifying document, and potentially holding a court hearing. Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 559.21, by adding a subdivision that clarifies the applicability of the new section, stating that it does not apply to a vendee whose interest was terminated under section 559.206. The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to contracts for deed entered into on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 559.21
1st Engrossment: 559.21
2nd Engrossment: 559.21