Senate passes remedy allowing survivors to sever co‑owner interest in contract‑for‑deed cases

The Minnesota Senate passed House File 3970 on April 30, creating a remedy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who find themselves co‑listed on contracts for deed with an abuser.

Sponsor Sen. Nick Gustafson told the chamber the bill fills a gap in existing law when a co‑purchaser who commits abuse stops contributing to mortgage‑style payments but retains an ownership interest. “The bill fills a gap in existing law protecting victims of domestic violence,” Sen. Gustafson said, noting the measure had been vetted by real‑property practitioners and advocacy groups.

The bill author and co‑authors said partition and sale are often unsatisfactory for survivors; the bill instead gives courts an express remedy to terminate a perpetrator’s interest in a contract for deed where abuse is proven, while respecting tribal court jurisdiction on tribal lands. Supporters told senators the change had broad stakeholder backing from the domestic violence advocacy community, the Minnesota Bankers Association, Minnesota Realtors, and the Real Property Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association.

The Senate recorded final passage on the floor with a roll call showing 64 yeas and 2 nays.

Implementation: The bill modifies civil procedure for contract‑for‑deed disputes; sponsors said it does not alter tribal court jurisdiction and is intended to supplement existing protections for survivors.

What to watch: judicial application in district courts and coordination with tribal courts where property or parties are on tribal land.