On page 4, after line 40, insert the following:

"(11) The legislature finds that a cohesive family dynamic is vital to the well-being of our state's children. The legislature further finds that children frequently disagree with rules, parameters, or restrictions put in place by their parents or guardians. It is the priority of the legislature and intent of this act that the department shall not interfere with parents who set rules, parameters, or restrictions related to their child's romantic preferences or lifestyle choices."

On page 75, line 32, after "(3)" insert "The court in a fact-finding hearing may not consider any information related to current or past disagreements between the child and the child's parent(s) about the child's romantic preferences and lifestyle choices or rules, parameters, and restrictions set by the parent(s) related to the child's romantic preferences or lifestyle choices.

(4)"

On page 76, line 16, after "evidence." insert "Any information related to romantic preferences or lifestyle choices by the child must be redacted from the social file prior to being considered in the fact-finding hearing."

On page 77, at the beginning of line 22, strike "(4)" and insert "(((4))) (5)"

On page 107, line 4, after "the child." insert "Rules, restrictions, or parameters set by parents as a reaction to disagreements between the parents and the child related to the child's romantic preferences or lifestyle choices may not be considered abuse or neglect and may not be considered when determining abuse or neglect."

On page 109, line 6, after "9A.42.100." insert "Rules, restrictions, or parameters set by parents or disagreements between the parents and the child related to romantic preference or lifestyle choices of the child may not be considered when determining whether negligent treatment or maltreatment has occurred."

EFFECT: Adds intent language explaining importance of cohesive family dynamic to well-being of child and clarifying that the Department shall not interfere with parental rules, parameters, and restrictions related to romantic preferences or lifestyle choices and that disagreements between the child and the parents related to romantic lifestyle choices shall not be in the Department's purview.

Clarifies that any information related to disagreements between the parents and the child regarding romantic preferences or lifestyle choices by the child, or rules, restrictions, or parameters set by the parent, may not be considered when determining whether negligent treatment or maltreatment has occurred.