On March 17, 2025, the Minnesota State Legislature introduced Senate Bill 2666, a significant piece of legislation aimed at reforming child support calculations in cases of split custody. The bill seeks to address the complexities of financial obligations between parents who share joint custody of their children, particularly when both parents contribute to child care and medical expenses.

The primary provisions of Senate Bill 2666 outline a structured approach for courts to determine each parent's basic support obligation. For orders issued before January 1, 2027, the bill mandates that courts calculate and include each parent's support obligations in their orders. If both parents owe support to each other, the bill allows for an offset, meaning the higher obligation is reduced by the lower one, simplifying the payment process. This method is also applied to child care and medical support obligations, ensuring that both parents' contributions are fairly assessed and accounted for.

Notably, the bill introduces a clear definition of "split custody," which applies when each parent has at least one joint child more than 50 percent of the time. This definition is crucial for determining how support obligations are calculated and enforced.

Debate surrounding Senate Bill 2666 has focused on its potential impact on families navigating the complexities of joint custody arrangements. Proponents argue that the bill will create a more equitable system for determining financial responsibilities, while opponents express concerns about the potential for increased litigation as parents may contest their obligations more frequently under the new framework.

The economic implications of the bill are significant, as it aims to reduce financial strain on families by clarifying support obligations and potentially lowering the costs associated with child support disputes. Socially, the bill could foster better cooperation between parents, as it encourages a more transparent approach to financial responsibilities.

As the legislative process continues, experts suggest that the bill could lead to a more standardized approach to child support in Minnesota, with the potential for future amendments based on its effectiveness and feedback from the community. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions as lawmakers consider the feedback from stakeholders and the public.