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SF700 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Meaning of neglect modification by permitting a parent or caregiver to allow children to engage in certain independent activities without adult supervision

AI Generated Summary

Senate Bill SF No 700 is a proposal to modify the definition of neglect under Minnesota law. It aims to clarify that allowing children to participate in certain independent activities without constant adult supervision does not, by itself, constitute neglect. The bill specifies that such independence is permissible based on the child's age, maturity, and their physical and mental capabilities. Activities deemed appropriate can include things like traveling to school on their own, playing outside, or staying at home alone for a reasonable period. The bill stresses that this independence should not endanger the child's health or safety due to gross negligence. Overall, the proposed changes seek to give parents more flexibility in deciding when their children are ready for certain responsibilities, without the risk of being labeled neglectful.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 26, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
January 26, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
January 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
January 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification that independent activities suitable to a child's development do not constitute neglect."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of neglect in child welfare statutes under section 260E.03, subdivision 15.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260E.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 15"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references educational requirements under section 120A.22 in relation to child neglect.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120A.22",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references section 260C.163, subdivision 11 in relation to ensuring child education under neglect definitions.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260C.163",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 11"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references section 125A.091, subdivision 5 regarding refusal of parents to provide specified medications.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "125A.091",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill defines prenatal exposure under section 253B.02, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "253B.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This references medical neglect definitions in section 260C.007, subdivision 6.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260C.007",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  }
]

Sponsors