Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Senate Judiciary hears bill to restore parenting time when abuse allegations prove false
Summary
Supporters told the Senate Judiciary Committee that Senate Bill 2184 would restore parenting time lost during investigations they say are often unfounded; opponents and child-welfare officials warned the proposal could punish victims and be weaponized without clearer definitions and safeguards.
At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, members heard testimony on Senate Bill 2184, which would require a court to award additional parenting time to a parent when an allegation of harm, abuse or neglect against them is later found false.
Supporters said the bill—described by witnesses as a remedy for “parental alienation”—would restore time they say is lost to long investigations and would reduce incentives to make false reports. Todd Peterson of West Fargo testified that the bill would “restore” parenting time taken during investigations and said the change would not penalize people who report concerns; rather, he said, it would remove incentives to misuse complaints. Kelly Craft, Crystal Magnuson and other parents and advocates described long, painful separations from children after allegations they said were later found unfounded.
Those testifying in support framed…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
