Several new Minnesota laws took effect Wednesday, July 1, including a requirement that social media platforms operating in the state display warning labels noting mental-health risks.
Other policy changes are also drawing attention, including a new legal tool for domestic-violence survivors.
Existing Minnesota law includes pathways for survivors dealing with housing complications, such as terminating a lease. The new law addresses situations where unmarried parties have a contract for deed, commonly known as rent-to-own. It allows a survivor to petition the court to have an abuser’s name removed from the contract.
Elsa Swenson, who as manager of the Home Free Community Program leads domestic violence work for Missions Inc. in the Twin Cities, said it is a narrow but significant change.
“It is a very specific set of circumstances, but it is really important for people who find themselves in that situation,” Swenson said. “It is a way for them to get free from their abuser.”
A petition is allowed if the abuser no longer lives at the home and the survivor is still making payments. The law also covers situations where a child in the home was abused.
The new social media warning label requirement is among the youth protection measures taking effect. Sponsors say it aligns with other legislative work aimed at mitigating harmful effects on minors.
Another law update this summer makes sexual grooming of a minor a felony. That change takes effect Aug. 1. Swenson said her team had pushed for the measure.
“With the intent of assaulting someone or having an inappropriate relationship with a minor, we don't have to wait for something awful to happen to a child in order to hold someone accountable leading up to that point,” she said.
Swenson said she was also glad to see lawmakers prioritize funding for crime victim services, noting that groups around the state were collectively facing a $12 million shortfall.
Next summer, Minnesota is set to implement a high-profile law that calls for several social media safeguards for children, including parental consent to open an account for those younger than 16.
