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SF 2979

Custodian definition modification for the purposes of orders of protection

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Clare Oumou Verbeten

Minnesota bill expands the definition of "custodian" in protection order law to potentially extend domestic violence safeguards to more vulnerable individuals in custody situations.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
#childrenandfamiliesandchildren #youthandfamiliesdepartment #legalproceedings #publicsafetyandpublicsafetydepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 2979

Legislative bill overview

SF 2979 modifies the legal definition of "custodian" as it applies to orders of protection in Minnesota. The bill expands or clarifies who can be classified as a custodian for purposes of protection order proceedings, likely to ensure broader protection for vulnerable individuals in custody situations.

Why is this important

Orders of protection are critical legal tools for individuals experiencing domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. Clarifying custodian definitions directly affects who can obtain protective orders and against whom such orders can be issued, potentially extending protections to individuals in non-traditional custody arrangements or relationships previously excluded from these safeguards.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Disagreement over how broadly "custodian" should be defined—whether it includes only biological/legal parents, or extends to stepparents, guardians, or de facto custodians
  • Unintended consequences: Concerns that expanded definitions could lead to misuse of protection orders in custody disputes or false claims
  • Implementation clarity: Questions about how courts will apply new definitions consistently and whether additional resources are needed for enforcement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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