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SF1289 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Exception provision to the child neglect crime

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to amend existing child neglect laws in Minnesota to create an exception for acts committed by a person during pregnancy before the birth of their child or children.

Main Provisions

  • Exception to Child Neglect: The bill proposes a new subdivision in the Minnesota Statutes, specifically section 609.378. This new provision details that a person cannot be charged with or convicted of child neglect for specific acts committed during pregnancy.
  • Included Acts: The acts that would not constitute child neglect if committed during pregnancy include using drugs (whether prescribed or not), experiencing abuse, exposure to domestic or other types of violence, or failing to maintain optimal physical health.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Legal Protection for Pregnant Individuals: This bill significantly changes the legal approach to behaviors and circumstances during pregnancy by explicitly providing a legal exception in child neglect cases. It seeks to shield pregnant individuals from being penalized for certain conditions or actions during pregnancy that will be considered under the new exception.

Relevant Terms

  • Child neglect
  • Amendment
  • Pregnant individuals
  • Legal exception
  • Domestic violence
  • Substance use during pregnancy

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new exemption for actions taken while pregnant prior to childbirth."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill adds an exception to the crime of child neglect under section 609.378 for acts committed during pregnancy.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions under which child neglect charges are not applicable during pregnancy."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.378",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors