1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to family law; providing for a comprehensive family court process study.
1.3 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.4 	Section 1. COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY COURT PROCESS STUDY.
 1.5 	The Supreme Court shall convene a study group to conduct an evaluation of family 
1.6 	court processes in Minnesota. The evaluation must consider the processes, programs, 
1.7 	and legal mechanisms available to individuals involved in family disputes, and include 
1.8 	consideration of best practice models from other states. In appointing members to the 
1.9 	study group, the Supreme Court must ensure that the viewpoint of academics and policy 
1.10 	analysts, judges, court administrators, litigants, attorneys, relevant state and local agencies, 
1.11 	and other interested parties are represented. The study group must report to the legislature 
1.12 	on its recommendations for improving the efficiency, functionality, and accessibility of 
1.13 	family court processes no later than January 15, 2009.