Gov. Walz Signs Law Giving Parents Direct Petition For Return Of Rights

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Governor Tim Walz signed a bill into law Monday, allowing those accused of non-egregious harm to directly seek reestablishment of parental rights. Under the bill, parents can directly petition to reinstate rights only if removed for non-egregious harm, such as mental illness or chemical dependency. Currently, only a county attorney is able to make this petition.

The new legislation, authored by DFL Rep. Rena Moran, requires parents to prove they are addressing the underlying issue. A judge will then make the final decision.

Both the House and Senate approved the measure in April, with sweeping 130-0 and 66-0 votes.

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