SF18 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Grandparent visitation rights modification
AI Generated Summary
Senate File No. 18 is a proposed bill in Minnesota that aims to modify the rights of grandparents to visit their grandchildren. Here are the key points of the bill:
If a child's parent passes away, the parents and grandparents of the deceased may be granted reasonable visitation rights, assuming it's in the best interest of the child and does not interfere with the existing parent-child relationship.
During any legal proceedings related to family law (such as divorce or custody disputes), courts may grant visitation rights to grandparents if it benefits the child and does not disrupt the parent-child relationship.
If a child has lived with their grandparents or great-grandparents for 12 months or longer and then is taken away by their parents, the grandparents can seek visitation rights. The court will approve this request if it's in the child's best interest and does not interfere with the parent-child dynamic.
The bill repeals a previous statute that prevented courts from denying grandparents' visitation rights solely based on potential interference with the parent-child relationship.
Overall, this bill seeks to clarify and potentially expand grandparents' rights to maintain contact with their grandchildren under specific circumstances, emphasizing the child's welfare and the importance of established familial relationships.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| January 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies the conditions under which grandparents can obtain visitation rights if a parent of an unmarried minor child is deceased.",
"modified": [
"Conditions for granting visitation rights to grandparents when a parent is deceased."
]
},
"citation": "257C.08",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends the provision for grandparent visitation rights in the context of family court proceedings related to dissolution, custody, separation, annulment, or parentage.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies conditions under which the court can grant grandparents visitation rights during family court proceedings."
]
},
"citation": "257C.08",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This amendment relates to granting visitation rights to grandparents or great-grandparents when an unmarried minor has resided with them.",
"modified": [
"Conditions under which grandparents or great-grandparents can petition for visitation rights after a child is removed from their home."
]
},
"citation": "257C.08",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
}
]