Bill Status
bill to repeal minors’ consent law
House File 352
House File 352 was introduced in the House on February 10, 2003 and referred to the Health and Human Services Policy Committee.
The House Health and Human Services Policy Committee had a hearing on March 3, 2004 at 4:30 in the State Office Building Room 10. The bill was recommended to pass as amended and sent to the House floor.
On Tuesday, May 11, the House passed H.F. 352, which would require minors
to have a notarized 'permission slip' from their parents/guardians
before they could access confidential health care for sexual health
care needs,
chemical dependency or mental health. The bill also allows a minor
child's parent/guardian access to the minor's health records. Sponsored
by Rep. Tim
Wilkin (Eagan-38A), HF 352 would amend a more than 30-year-old state
law that provides minors confidentiality when seeking medical treatment. “This
law places legal barriers between parents and their children,” Wilkin
said. The bill would allow officials of a licensed residential facility
providing short-term shelter for homeless minors to provide consent
for medical and
mental health care, except “family planning services.” The bill
also included a provision in which clinics receiving federal family
planning funds (Title X), would be excluded from requiring parental
consent. The bill passed by a vote of 86-47.
Fortunately, in April the Senate voted against a similar amendment
on a procedural vote so it is unlikely that this bill will become law
this year.
Senate File 570
Senate File 570 was introduced in the Senate on Feb. 27, 2003 and referred to the Health and Family Security Committee.
The Senate Health and Family Security Committee heard the bill March 9, 2004 at 12:30 in State Capitol Room 15. S.F. 570 failed in committee. Although the Senate committee rejected the bill, expect a Senate floor amendment to be introduced later in session.
Senate Floor Amendment
Return to 2004 Legislative Session
