Minnesota's Senate Bill 2666, introduced on March 17, 2025, aims to reshape child support and healthcare obligations for divorced or separated parents. The bill's primary focus is to clarify how childcare and medical expenses are treated in support calculations, particularly for orders issued after January 1, 2027.

Key provisions include allowing non-custodial parents to care for their children during the custodial parent's work or school hours without affecting child support guidelines. Additionally, the bill mandates that childcare expenses will be classified as child support, streamlining collection processes. This change is expected to ease financial burdens on parents while ensuring that children's needs are met.

The bill also addresses medical support costs, requiring that healthcare expenses be divided based on each parent's income share. This provision aims to create a fairer distribution of healthcare costs, which can often be a contentious issue in custody arrangements. Notably, the bill stipulates that contributions toward healthcare coverage will not be subject to cost-of-living adjustments, a point that has sparked debate among lawmakers regarding its long-term implications for parents' financial responsibilities.

Opposition has emerged from some advocacy groups who argue that the bill may disproportionately affect lower-income parents, potentially leading to increased financial strain. Critics are concerned that the lack of adjustments for inflation could leave some parents struggling to meet their obligations as costs rise.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications could significantly impact family law in Minnesota, potentially setting a precedent for how child support and healthcare costs are managed in custody cases. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the discussions, anticipating that the final version of the bill will reflect a balance between the needs of children and the financial realities faced by parents.