MN HF1655

Speaker of the house and majority leader of the senate shall convene a study group to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of how marriage laws in Minnesota affect the potential for discrimination.

Study group may include representatives from the Minnesota State Bar Association, family law attorneys, marriage and family therapists, benefit and tax experts, and other interested parties.

Group must review all existing state and federal laws directly impacted by marriage or affecting the social or economic status of married couples, and examine structural barriers affecting single people, same-sex couples, and cohabitating couples.

Group must study laws providing benefits or tax advantages based solely on having a minor child in the home.

Study group must submit findings and recommendations for removing disparities in treatment between married couples and unmarried couples or individuals to legislative committee chairs by February 15, 2011.