SF 5156
Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)
Posted on 04/28/2026 09:12 a.m.
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A bill for an act
relating to family law; establishing the Parenting Time Enforcement Task Force;
requiring a report; appropriating money.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1. new text begin PARENTING TIME ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Establishment. new text end
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The Parenting Time Enforcement Task Force is
established to study parenting time enforcement and custody-interference issues arising
under Minnesota Statutes, chapters 518 and 609, and to develop recommendations to improve
enforcement of court-ordered parenting time while ensuring child safety.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Membership. new text end
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(a) The task force consists of the following members:
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(1) two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker of the
house and one appointed by the minority leader;
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(2) two members of the senate, one appointed by the majority leader and one appointed
by the minority leader;
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(3) the chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court or the chief justice's designee with
experience in family court;
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(4) one district court judge with experience in family court matters appointed by the
chief justice;
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(5) one county attorney appointed by the Minnesota County Attorneys Association;
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(6) one sheriff or municipal law enforcement representative appointed by the Minnesota
Sheriffs' Association;
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(7) one representative of the Department of Human Services with expertise in child
protection;
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(8) one representative of the Board of Public Defense with experience in family or
criminal law;
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(9) two attorneys with experience representing parents in custody or parenting time
proceedings appointed by the Minnesota State Bar Association, one representing custodial
parents and one representing noncustodial parents;
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(10) one guardian ad litem or child advocacy representative appointed by the State
Guardian Ad Litem Board;
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(11) one mental health professional with expertise in child and family dynamics appointed
by the commissioner of health; and
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(12) two parents with lived experience involving parenting time denial or
custody-interference disputes appointed jointly by the legislative members of the task force.
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(b) Appointments must be made by August 1, 2026.
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(c) Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses as provided
in Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin Duties. new text end
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The task force shall:
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(1) evaluate the effectiveness of existing remedies for parenting time denial and custody
interference under Minnesota Statutes, sections 518.175 and 609.26;
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(2) examine the frequency and nature of repeated parenting time violations and the
adequacy of current enforcement mechanisms;
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(3) review the role of civil and criminal enforcement tools, including contempt
proceedings and custodial-interference statutes;
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(4) assess the impact of parenting time disputes on child safety and family well-being,
including domestic violence considerations;
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(5) identify barriers to timely and effective enforcement of parenting time orders;
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(6) review best practices from other states relating to parenting time enforcement and
custody-interference remedies; and
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(7) develop recommendations for legislative or judicial action to improve enforcement
of parenting time orders while protecting the best interests and safety of children.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end
new text begin Administration. new text end
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(a) The Legislative Coordinating Commission shall provide
administrative and meeting support to the task force.
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(b) The task force is subject to Minnesota Statutes, chapters 13 and 13D.
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(c) The task force shall elect a chair and vice-chair from among its legislative members.
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new text begin Subd. 5. new text end
new text begin Report. new text end
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By January 15, 2027, the task force shall submit a report to the chairs
and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over family
law and public safety containing findings and recommendations, including any proposed
legislation.
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new text begin Subd. 6. new text end
new text begin Expiration new text end
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The task force expires June 30, 2027.
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Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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$....... in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the Legislative
Coordinating Commission for purposes of supporting the Parenting Time Enforcement Task
Force.
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