This Minnesota bill modifies the definition of "child in need of protection or services" in state law. Specifically, it clarifies when a child is considered to be without the special care required due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition. The revision specifies that a parent, guardian, or custodian should not be considered unwilling or unable to provide necessary care solely because a child remains in a hospital or emergency department due to a lack of available residential treatment or necessary services.

The bill also maintains various conditions under which a child is deemed in need of protection or services, including cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation, medical neglect, truancy, and juvenile offenses. Additionally, it includes provisions for children whose parental rights have been involuntarily terminated in relation to their siblings.

Some key points of the bill include: - Clarification regarding when a child lacking special care should not be considered maltreated. - Continued recognition of situations where children may need protective services, such as exposure to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or dangerous environments. - Establishment of an expiration date for one provision (juvenile offenses committed before age 10 will no longer be covered after July 31, 2026). - A new provision effective August 1, 2026, covering children who commit juvenile offenses before turning 13.

Ultimately, the bill aims to address child welfare concerns while ensuring that parents are not unfairly deemed neglectful due to systemic service shortages.