2025 Legislative Wins for Child Protection and Safety

2025 Legislative Wins for Child Protection and Safety 1280 720 Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota

We’re excited to share big victories from the 2025 legislative session—made possible through the support and advocacy of many people like you.

Mandated Reporter Training Overhaul

Our top priority was one of few issues that passed unanimously with bipartisan support. In essence, the new law ensures the state’s mandated reporter training is expert-informed and focuses on recognizing signs of abuse. We believe it will help save children’s lives.

Over the past year, our coalition subgroup met several times with the state. We also met with members of key committees and testified at the Capitol. Big thanks to Rep. Nash for sponsoring the bill and Sen. Draheim for carrying it in the Senate.

Dangerous Foster Care Provisions Removed

We fought against two deeply concerning provisions that would allow individuals with serious past offenses – such as first degree assault or termination of parental rights – to potentially become foster parents after just a few years.

This took months of advocacy as well. We wrote to every senator, lobbied conference committee members, and worked closely with legislative allies—most notably Rep. West—to push back against these provisions. Opposition persisted until the final days of session.

Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Exposure

It’s now illegal to knowingly expose a child to fentanyl. This was a major focus of our Day on the Hill—and it’s now law.

Childcare Safety Improvements

If a daycare is under investigation for maltreatment, it must now have video surveillance. This bill was led by Rep. West, whose own child was injured in care.

Safe Passage Board Chair Dr. Lisa Hollensteiner testified in support of this bill.

Educating Parents About Abuse

Health care providers must now give new parents materials on how to recognize and report child abuse—starting with the first well-baby visit.

Cross-State Child Abuse Enforcement

Minnesota can now take action in cases where a resident abuses a child in another state—closing a crucial legal gap.

$40 Million to Modernize the State’s Information System

Funding is secured to modernize Minnesota’s outdated child protection data system. This has been a long-standing goal for our Coalition.

Child Torture Disqualification

A new law permanently bans individuals convicted of child torture from becoming foster parents.

One Bill Didn’t Pass

We supported a bill to study child protection spending, but it didn’t make it through. We’re working to understand why and will keep pushing.

Thank you to everyone who joined, supported or monitored our advocacy efforts. These are shared wins for all children in Minnesota.

Let’s keep the momentum going.

Want to discuss ways you can become more involved next year? Email contactus@safepassageforchildren.org 

Our work for vulnerable children is possible
through support from readers & listeners like you. Thank you.
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