This bill, Minnesota House File No. 1446, introduces criminal penalties for the act of adulterating or altering a controlled substance with fentanyl. It proposes the addition of Section 609.2285 to the Minnesota Statutes, under the public safety category.

Key Provisions:

1. Felony Offense for Fentanyl Adulteration

   • A person who knowingly adulterates or alters a controlled substance or drug by adding fentanyl or substituting it with fentanyl is guilty of a felony.
   • It is also a felony to replace the contents of a package or receptacle containing a controlled substance with fentanyl, or to switch the entire package for one containing fentanyl.

2. Exemptions for Medical Professionals

   • Manufacturers, pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are exempt when acting in a professional capacity.

3. Key Definitions

   • "Controlled substance" follows the definition in Minnesota Statutes, Section 152.01, Subdivision 4.
     
   • "Drug" follows the definition in Minnesota Statutes, Section 152.01, Subdivision 2.

Purpose of the Bill:

To combat fentanyl-related drug adulteration by establishing clear legal penalties for those who knowingly alter substances with fentanyl, which is a major contributor to opioid overdoses and deaths.

Current Status:

• Introduced by Representative Rymer.
  
• Read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy.