The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill, HF2184, aimed at strengthening protections for Native children and families by exempting the Office of the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families from certain court filing fees. This exemption, which already applies to federally recognized Tribes and their representatives, aims to eliminate financial barriers for the Ombudsperson to effectively address complaints regarding non-compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act. The bipartisan bill, authored by Rep. Sandra Feist, passed with a vote of 127-3, showcasing a commitment to making government work better for all Minnesotans, particularly Indigenous communities who have historically faced barriers and discrimination within the legal system. Rep. Feist emphasized the importance of removing financial barriers in promoting justice for all individuals, regardless of their financial means. The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
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