This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 518.155, to require courts to recognize the fundamental right to the parent-child relationship when making determinations regarding child custody and parenting time. The new legal language emphasizes that courts must adhere to the precedents set in the cases of SooHoo v. Johnson and Troxel v. Granville, which affirm the importance of this right. It mandates that any court or practitioner involved in custody proceedings must protect this fundamental right unless there is clear and convincing evidence of harm.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that courts must apply a heightened level of scrutiny when making decisions that could interfere with the parent-child relationship. It asserts that the fundamental rights of each fit parent to custody, care, and control of their child must be equally protected, and that marital status alone cannot limit these rights. This legislative change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding parental rights in custody cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 518.155