This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish the same weight threshold and penalties for fentanyl as currently exist for heroin, thereby addressing the growing concerns surrounding fentanyl-related offenses. Specifically, the bill introduces a new subdivision in section 152.01 that defines fentanyl and its analogs, and modifies existing subdivisions in sections 152.021, 152.022, 152.023, and 152.025 to include fentanyl in the definitions of controlled substance crimes. The amendments specify the weight thresholds for both sale and possession crimes involving fentanyl, aligning them with those for heroin, and include provisions for penalties associated with these offenses.

The bill also includes effective date provisions, stating that the changes will take effect on August 1, 2023, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date. This legislative action aims to enhance public safety by treating fentanyl with the same level of seriousness as heroin in terms of legal consequences, reflecting the urgent need to combat the opioid crisis and the dangers posed by synthetic opioids.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 152.01, 152.021, 152.022, 152.023, 152.025