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Bill Summary · SF 4833

Summary of SF 4833 (Minnesota) — 2025-2026 Session

Title

Parenting time determinations provisions modifications

Objective and intent

SF 4833 seeks to modify the framework for determining parenting time (visitation) in family law cases. The bill appears to target how parenting time is determined, allocated, and potentially adjusted, with the aim of altering the rules or standards used by courts, mediators, or other decision-makers when establishing custodial arrangements and visitation schedules after separation or divorce. The exact statutory language is not provided here, but the bill’s title and committee action suggest a reform or refinements to current parenting time determinations.

Key provisions and changes (provisional outline based on title and typical scope)

Because the full text is not provided, the following outlines represent common elements such bills modify. If enacted, SF 4833 may include, among other provisions:

  • Definitions

    • Clarification of what constitutes “parenting time,” “custody,” “joint custody,” and related terms.
    • Standards for determining parenting time (e.g., in the best interests of the child, with emphasis on consistent routines, safety, and accessibility).

  • Standards for determining parenting time

    • Establishing or revising the standard used by courts (e.g., best interests of the child, safety considerations, parental cooperation).
    • Modifications to how disputes are resolved (e.g., mediation, dispute resolution timelines, or presumptions about parenting time).

  • Scheduling and structure

    • Rules for standard schedules (e.g., weekends, holidays, school breaks) and special circumstances (e.g., long-distance arrangements, travel between households).
    • Provisions addressing temporary orders or changes in circumstances (e.g., modification procedures when parenting time is affected by relocation).

  • Enforcement and modification

    • Procedures for enforcing parenting time determinations (contempt, remedies, or remedies involving counseling or parenting plans).
    • Time limits or thresholds for requesting modifications due to changed circumstances.

  • Safety and wellness considerations

    • Provisions ensuring child safety, addressing domestic violence, or concerns about the noncustodial parent’s behavior.
    • Inclusion of protective measures or risk assessments in parenting time decisions.

  • Administrative and procedural aspects

    • Coordination with family court processes, timelines for hearings, and requirements for documentation (e.g., parenting plans or custody evaluations).
    • Any required forms, notices, or disclosures.

Who would be affected

  • Parents and guardians involved in custody or divorce proceedings where parenting time is at issue.
  • Courts, including district courts and family divisions handling domestic relations cases.
  • Family mediators, parenting time evaluators, and custody coaches who prepare or implement parenting plans.
  • Potentially other family service providers (e.g., child custody evaluators, social workers) involved in case management.

Timeline and procedural context

  • Bill number: SF 4833
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Introduction and first reading: March 25, 2026
  • Referral: Judiciary and Public Safety (same date)
  • Sponsors: Five co-sponsors listed (Mike Holmstrom, Cal Bahr, Eric Lucero, Karin Housley, Mark Koran)

Practical implications and considerations

  • If enacted, judges and clerks will need to apply revised standards or procedures when issuing or modifying parenting time orders.
  • Families may experience changes in scheduling norms, modification processes, and enforcement avenues.
  • The exact impact (e.g., increased parental involvement, safety protections, or streamlined dispute resolution) depends on the specific language of the bill’s provisions.

Notes

  • The summary above reflects the bill’s title and proposed scope as publicly available. For precise impacts, reading the full text, committee analysis, fiscal note, and any amendments will be essential. The current information confirms intent to modify parenting time determinations but does not provide exact statutory changes or numbers.

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

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