MN HF5049

Courts and agencies cannot deny adoptions to prospective parents solely based on disability; those challenging adoption must prove by clear and convincing evidence that specific parental behaviors would endanger the child's health or safety.

Parents with disabilities must be offered the opportunity to use supportive parenting services to address concerns in adoption, child protection, and custody cases, with courts required to make written findings if denying or limiting parental rights.

"Supportive parenting services" are defined as services enabling parents with disabilities to discharge parenting responsibilities as successfully as non-disabled parents, including nonvisual techniques for blind parents.

"Disability" is defined according to the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 as physical or mental impairment substantially limiting major life activities, including a record of such impairment or being regarded as having one.

Effective August 1, 2024, the bill applies to all adoption proceedings, child protection petitions, and custody disputes pending on or after that date.