Criminal Justice (Drug Policy) in Minnesota

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 Mar 23, 2026

SF 3711: Kratom classification as a Schedule II controlled substance

This bill would classify kratom as a Schedule II controlled substance in Minnesota, placing it in the same category as drugs like morphine and fentanyl that have high abuse potential. The legislation adds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (the active compounds in kratom) to Minnesota's Schedule II list while repealing previous provisions that had separate rules for kratom. This change would subject kratom to the same strict regulations as other Schedule II substances, including prescription requirements, secure storage, and detailed recordkeeping. The bill would affect anyone selling or possessing kratom in Minnesota, including those under 18 who currently face misdemeanor charges for possession under the repealed section.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

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

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 12, 2026

HF 3617: Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons banned, and criminal penalties provided.

HF 3617 bans the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota, including specific firearms like AR-15 rifles and AK-47s, as well as weapons with features such as folding stocks, pistol grips, or detachable magazines. The bill defines these weapons broadly to cover both listed models and similar firearms with minor modifications, such as redesigned versions or enhanced features. Possessing a banned weapon would be a criminal offense under amended statutes, with penalties established for violations. This law directly affects individuals who own or possess these firearms, making such possession illegal under state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 16, 2026

HF 3350: Lifetime firearms ban on persons who are convicted of certain misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor domestic assault offenses established.

HF 3350 establishes a lifetime ban on firearm possession for individuals convicted of misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor domestic assault offenses in Minnesota. This law directly affects people convicted of these specific domestic violence crimes by permanently prohibiting them from owning, buying, or possessing firearms. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add this ban as a standard consequence of such convictions, replacing any prior provisions that might have allowed firearm access after sentencing. It creates a concrete policy change that restricts firearm access for this group for life, without exceptions for future conduct.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SF 3825: Requirement that loaded firearms be stored in locations where persons prohibited from possessing firearms cannot access the firearms

SF 3825 amends Minnesota law to require gun owners to store loaded firearms in locations where children *and* individuals prohibited from owning firearms (such as those with certain criminal records under section 624.713) cannot access them. The bill expands existing storage rules - previously focused only on children - to explicitly include prohibited persons, making it a gross misdemeanor to negligently leave a loaded firearm accessible to either group without proper security. Key provisions clarify that "loaded" includes firearms with ammunition in the chamber or magazine, and define the penalty for failure to secure firearms against access. This directly affects gun owners in households with children or individuals legally barred from firearm possession. The bill is currently in committee review after introduction on February 23, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

signed · Minnesota · House Aug 1, 2026

HF 3453: Kratom; legal age to possess kratom established as 21 years of age or older.

HF 3453 amends Minnesota Statutes section 152.027 to raise the legal age for possessing kratom from 18 to 21 years. It makes it a gross misdemeanor to sell kratom to anyone under 21 and a misdemeanor for anyone under 21 to possess it. The bill directly affects minors under 21 and businesses selling kratom, prohibiting sales to this age group and restricting their possession. The change applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2026. This is a substantive policy change altering age restrictions under Minnesota's controlled substances law.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

in committee · Minnesota · House Feb 23, 2026

HF 3613: Liability of bystanders of drug-related overdoses limited.

HF 3613 limits legal liability for bystanders who seek medical help during drug-related overdoses. The bill amends Minnesota law to define "bystander" as anyone present during a suspected overdose and grants immunity from arrest, charges, or prosecution for drug possession when someone in good faith calls for emergency assistance. It specifically protects individuals who contact 911 or medical help while remaining on scene and cooperating with authorities, without requiring a separate finding of imminent danger to the victim. This applies to all drug-related overdoses, including those involving controlled substances. The law aims to encourage bystanders to seek life-saving medical help without fear of criminal penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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