Criminal Justice (Drug Policy) in Minnesota

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 5, 2026

HF 3968: Use of urinalysis tests limited for supervised individuals.

This bill limits when supervised individuals in Minnesota can be required to take urinalysis tests, affecting people on parole, supervised release, or conditional release. Under the new rules, a supervision agent must have documented reasonable suspicion of illicit drug use before ordering a test, and that suspicion must be recorded in the case management system. The legislation also clarifies that individuals cannot be sanctioned or have their release revoked solely for testing positive for cannabis components or for participating in the state's cannabis registry program. Additionally, the bill allows corrections officials to prohibit certain cannabis products for supervised individuals who need chemical use assessments, but only if abstinence aligns with recommended care levels. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary testing while maintaining oversight over drug use during supervised release.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SF 4329: Use of proceeds from the cannabis gross receipts tax modification

This bill directs 10% of the cannabis gross receipts tax revenue to fund a new youth grant program in Minnesota, starting in 2026. The program will provide grants to organizations offering after-school activities, mentorship, restorative justice initiatives, and other services that support youth development, mental health, and prevention of substance use. Priority funding will go to communities disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization, while ensuring statewide distribution. The commissioner of children, youth, and families must report annually on grant awards and how the funds are used to legislative committees.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Revenue Drug Policy Mental Health

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SF 4285: Peace officer authorization to use oral fluid screening of drivers to determine the presence of drugs

This bill authorizes Minnesota peace officers to use oral fluid screening devices to test drivers for the presence of drugs when there is reason to believe the driver is impaired. It allows officers to require a preliminary breath or oral fluid test if they suspect a driver has violated impaired driving laws, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The bill also updates implied consent laws to include oral fluid testing as a valid chemical test option when officers have probable cause to believe a driver was impaired. These changes apply to all drivers and specifically address testing for controlled substances, intoxicating substances, and cannabis products.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 2, 2026

HF 3920: Organizations eligible for grants required to engage with youth community organizations.

This bill requires organizations seeking grants from Minnesota's Division of Social Equity to demonstrate engagement with youth community organizations focused on young people aged 14 to 24 who have been most affected by cannabis-related issues. To receive funding, applicants must include specific information in their grant applications, including an analysis of community needs, evidence of past success, and a description of their work with youth-centered community groups. The bill also mandates that at least 50 percent of annual grants support youth civic engagement, leadership, and youth-led health education opportunities, with priority given to communities most impacted by cannabis criminalization and incarceration. These requirements apply to all organizations eligible for competitive grants under the Division's program, affecting how grant applications are structured and evaluated.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SF 4290: Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines banishment

This bill would ban the possession of specific semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines in Minnesota, directly affecting firearm owners and dealers. It defines prohibited weapons by listing specific models like AK-47s and AR-15s, while also including firearms with certain features such as pistol grips, folding stocks, or magazines holding more than ten rounds. The law establishes criminal penalties for violating the ban and amends existing state statutes to clarify what constitutes a prohibited weapon.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SF 4204: Psilocybin regulation provisions

This bill would legalize the personal use, possession, and transportation of psilocybin for adults aged 21 and older in Minnesota, removing criminal penalties for these activities while prohibiting commercial sale or distribution. It establishes a new Psychedelic Medicine Board to oversee regulations, set possession limits, and create public education and harm reduction programs. The legislation also authorizes rulemaking by the board, provides for civil actions, and includes provisions for criminal penalties related to violations of the new psilocybin rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SF 3681: Semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazine prohibition and criminal penalties provision

Minnesota's SF 3681 would ban the possession of specific semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (like AR-15s, AK-47s, and similar models) and large-capacity ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds. It defines prohibited weapons by listing specific models and features, including firearms with folding stocks, pistol grips, or magazine capacities exceeding 10 rounds. The bill directly affects residents who currently own these banned firearms or magazines, requiring them to comply with the prohibition. Violations would incur criminal penalties under amended Minnesota statutes, though the exact penalties aren't detailed in the provided text.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 26, 2026

HF 3433: Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons banned, and criminal penalties provided.

HF 3433 bans the possession of specific semiautomatic firearms designated as "military-style assault weapons," including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and weapons with features such as folding stocks or pistol grips. The bill defines banned weapons to cover both listed models (e.g., Colt AR-15) and similar firearms with minor modifications like enhanced magazines or barrel attachments. It amends Minnesota statutes to impose criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for violating the possession ban. This law directly affects individuals who own these specific firearms, requiring them to comply with the new restrictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime

in committee · Minnesota · House Feb 23, 2026

HF 3558: Definition of chemically dependent person modified for the purposes of civil commitments.

HF 3558 modifies Minnesota's definition of "chemically dependent person" under civil commitment law by removing a specific provision that previously included pregnant women who used certain substances (like opioids, cocaine, or alcohol) non-medically during pregnancy. This change directly affects pregnant women who might have previously qualified for civil commitment under this expanded definition. The bill deletes the reference to pregnant women from the statutory definition while keeping all other criteria for civil commitment intact. The amendment takes effect the day after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SF 3731: Liability limitation of bystanders of drug-related overdoses

This bill protects people who call for medical help during a drug overdose from being arrested or charged for drug possession. It applies to anyone present at the scene (defined as a "bystander") who stays until emergency help arrives and provides contact information. The law specifically states that seeking medical assistance for an overdose won’t lead to charges under drug laws, as long as the person acts in good faith. It does not cover cases where someone seeks help during a warrant execution, and it clarifies that substance use alone isn’t automatically considered neglect if the person is in a rehab program.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

All criminal justice bills