This bill amends the definition of "chemically dependent person" in Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 253B.02, subdivision 2, specifically for the purposes of civil commitments. The revised definition maintains that a chemically dependent person is someone who is incapable of self-management due to habitual and excessive use of substances, and whose behavior poses a substantial likelihood of physical harm to themselves or others. However, the bill removes the previous inclusion of pregnant women who engage in habitual or excessive substance use for nonmedical purposes from this definition.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision stating that the changes will take effect the day following final enactment. This modification aims to clarify the criteria for civil commitments related to chemical dependency while excluding specific references to pregnant women from the definition.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 253B.02