HF 2980 modifies definitions for "park zone," "school zone," and "public housing zone" in Minnesota law, reducing the surrounding distance from 300 feet to 100 feet (or one city block, whichever is greater). The bill directly affects how these zones are defined for enforcement of laws, including those related to controlled substances. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 152.01, by updating subdivisions 12a (park zone), 14a (school zone), and 19 (public housing zone). The changes clarify the boundaries of these zones where certain legal restrictions apply. Note: The bill's title mentions "controlled substances," but the actual content modifies zone definitions, not substance-related provisions.
This bill (SF 3470) amends Minnesota's controlled substances law by updating the legal definition of "sell" in Statute 152.01, subdivision 15a. It expands the definition to explicitly include giving away, bartering, delivering, exchanging, distributing, or disposing of controlled substances, as well as offering to do so or possessing with intent to perform these acts. The change directly affects law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts handling drug-related cases under Minnesota's controlled substances chapter. The amendment takes effect the day after final enactment, clarifying what constitutes a "sale" for legal purposes.
SF 471 prohibits possessing dangerous weapons in public libraries under Minnesota law. It makes unauthorized possession a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine, while allowing licensed firearm permit holders to carry weapons (as a misdemeanor) and exempting licensed peace officers. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 609.66 and applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025. It directly affects library patrons, staff, and law enforcement by defining legal boundaries for weapon possession in public library buildings.
Minnesota Senate Bill 319 makes it a felony to knowingly mix fentanyl into other controlled substances or drugs, or to replace the contents of drug packages with fentanyl. This directly affects individuals who alter or substitute drugs with fentanyl, such as those who add fentanyl to counterfeit pills or drugs without warning. The bill establishes specific penalties for these acts, including modifying drug containers to contain fentanyl, while exempting medical professionals like pharmacists and doctors acting in their professional roles. The law will take effect on August 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.
