HF2184

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to exempt the Office of the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families from certain court fees in Minnesota in specific legal actions.

Main Provisions

• Fee Exemption: The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to allow the Office of the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families to be free from paying court fees in several types of legal actions.
• Applicable Legal Actions: These include enforcement or modification of child support, medical assistance enforcement, establishment of parentage, civil commitments, appointments of public conservators or guardians, and court relief concerning public assistance and child welfare matters.
• Inclusion of Tribes: Federally recognized Indian Tribes or their representatives are also exempt from these fees under similar legal circumstances.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, court fees were required from various parties, including institutions representing public interests, during court proceedings listed in the statute. This amendment ensures that the Office of the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families, as well as federally recognized Indian Tribes, are not required to pay these fees in the specified circumstances.

Relevant Terms

• Ombudsperson for American Indian Families
• Court fee exemption
• Child support enforcement
• Civil commitment
• Public conservator or guardian
• Federally recognized Indian Tribes