Criminal Justice (Drug Policy) in Minnesota

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 9, 2026

HF 4081: Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons banned, and criminal penalties provided.

This bill prohibits individuals in Minnesota from possessing specific semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and establishes criminal penalties for violations. It directly affects firearm owners, dealers, and manufacturers by defining banned weapons through a combination of specific model lists and functional criteria based on features like detachable magazines, pistol grips, and high-capacity magazines. The legislation amends existing state statutes to clarify which firearms are restricted, including certain rifles, pistols, shotguns, and conversion kits that resemble military weapons.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 18, 2026

HF 4483: Possession and transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons after a specified date regulated, report required, and criminal penalties provided.

This bill regulates the possession and transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota by defining specific firearms that fall under the category and requiring owners to certify their ownership. It directly affects individuals who currently own or wish to acquire these weapons, which include various rifle, pistol, and shotgun models with specific features like detachable magazines or pistol grips. The law mandates that possession of these weapons requires certification and establishes criminal penalties for violations, while also requiring reporting mechanisms to track ownership. The bill applies to both existing firearms and conversion kits that could be assembled into assault weapons, with exemptions for weapons permanently rendered inoperable.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Violent Crime

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 · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SF 4847: State or local governments owned or controlled buildings firearm prohibition provision and criminal penalties establishment provision

This bill would prohibit individuals from possessing firearms in buildings owned or controlled by state or local governments in Minnesota, with exceptions for licensed peace officers, military personnel on duty, and those with written permission from building supervisors. The law would classify firearm possession in these government-administered buildings as a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The prohibition would take effect on August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date, while excluding locations already covered by other firearm restrictions in the state.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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 · House Apr 22, 2026

HF 3452: Kratom classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.

HF 3452 classifies kratom as a Schedule II controlled substance in Minnesota, subjecting it to strict state regulations similar to opioids. The bill adds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (the active compounds in kratom) to Schedule II, making unauthorized possession or sale illegal without a prescription. It repeals a prior law that only set penalties for selling kratom to minors or for minors possessing it. This change directly affects individuals who use or sell kratom, including businesses that currently sell kratom products, by applying full Schedule II restrictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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