Parent whose parental rights are terminated must remain liable for child support obligations provision

A bill for an act

relating to child support; providing that a parent whose parental rights are

terminated must remain liable for child support obligations; amending Minnesota

Statutes 2024, section 260C.317, subdivision 1.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 260C.317, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Termination.

If, after a hearing, the court finds by clear and convincing

evidence that one or more of the conditions set out in section
260C.301
exist, it may terminate

parental rights. Upon the termination of parental rights all rights, powers, privileges,

immunities, duties, and obligations, including any rights to custody, control,
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or
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visitation
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,

or support
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existing between the child and parent shall be severed and terminated and the

parent shall have no standing to appear at any further legal proceeding concerning the child.

Provided, however, that a parent whose parental rights are terminated:

(1) shall remain liable for
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the
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child support obligations, including any
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unpaid balance

of any support obligation owed under a court order
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upon the effective date of the order

terminating parental rights
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; and

(2) may be a party to a communication or contact agreement under section
259.58
.

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EFFECTIVE DATE.

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This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to

terminations of parental rights ordered on or after that date.

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