SF2666 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Maintenance and child support orders cost-of-living adjustments repeal
Related bill: HF2456
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
This bill is designed to eliminate automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) in maintenance or child support orders in Minnesota. It aims to make necessary changes to existing statutes to align with this new approach.
Main Provisions
- Repeal of COLA for Child Support: The bill repeals the automatic cost-of-living adjustments that have been previously applied to maintenance or child support orders. This applies specifically to orders issued before January 1, 2027.
- Modification Framework: It establishes a framework for modifying child support obligations wherein any changes to the amount must be court-ordered and will not be retroactively reduced.
- Obligation Calculation: The bill outlines detailed procedures for determining the amount each parent is responsible for in terms of basic support, medical support, and childcare expenses.
- Conformity with New Guidelines: Adjustments are made to ensure existing statutes conform to the repealed COLA, impacting the computation of support obligations, including medical and childcare costs.
Significant Changes to Existing Laws
- Repeal of COLA: The Minnesota Statutes section 518A.75, which provided for automatic cost-of-living adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, is repealed. This change is significant as it alters the previous automatic escalation of support payments due to changes in the cost of living.
- Support Calculation Revisions: For orders issued on or after January 1, 2027, all support calculations must be detailed in the court order without automatic adjustments, ensuring that each parent's obligations are explicitly laid out.
Relevant Terms
- Child Support
- Maintenance
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
- Minnesota Statutes
- Public Assistance
- Parenting Time
- Support Modification
- Judicial Order
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarified the expiration date for specific required notices to January 1, 2027."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This section provides the guidelines for notices required in child support and maintenance orders.",
"modified": [
"Updated language to conform with other changes in child support laws."
]
},
"citation": "518.68",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Payments for maintenance and support must be made to public agency if the recipient is receiving public assistance.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518A.50",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Details the felony charges related to deprivation of custodial or parental rights.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.26",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Outlines criminal penalties for non-support of spouse or child.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.375",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Governs entry and docketing of judgments for unpaid child support and spousal maintenance.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "548.091",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Sets conditions for wage and income deduction for support and maintenance.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518A.53",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Addresses parental rights regarding access to records and information about minor children.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518.17",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Discusses penalties and remedies for wrongful denial of parenting time.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518.175",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Describes the process for computing child support obligations.",
"modified": [
"Clarified the handling of Social Security and veterans benefits as related to child support obligations."
]
},
"citation": "518A.34",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Describes the determination and allocation of child care costs in child support calculations.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518A.40",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Sets guidelines for division of medical support costs and unreimbursed health expenses.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518A.41",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Allows the noncustodial parent to provide care to a joint child during certain times.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518.175",
"subdivision": "subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Discusses attorney fees and collection costs related to enforcement of child support.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518.14",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Relates to MinnesotaCare premium scale for noncustodial parent's contribution towards public health care coverage.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "256L.15",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Relates to the entry of judgments for attorney fees and collection costs for enforcing child support orders.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518A.735",
"subdivision": ""
}
]