SF3207

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to redefine certain zones related to public safety, specifically reducing the size of "park zones," "school zones," and "public housing zones" in Minnesota. It involves modifying the definitions of these zones under the state's controlled substances statutes.

Main Provisions

• Park Zone Redefinition: The definition of a "park zone" is altered to include areas designated as public parks by various entities such as federal, state, and local governments, as well as park districts and Native American tribes. The zone size surrounding a park's boundary is reduced from 300 feet to 100 feet or to one city block, depending on which distance is greater.

• School Zone Redefinition: Changes to "school zones" include properties owned, leased, or controlled by school districts or nonpublic educational organizations. These include areas where kindergarten through 12th-grade education or related activities occur. The surrounding area qualifying as a school zone is reduced from 300 feet to 100 feet or one city block beyond the school property, whichever distance is greater.

• Public Housing Zone Redefinition: The bill modifies the definition of "public housing zones" to include public housing projects and developments. The specified zone size is reduced from 300 feet to 100 feet or one city block from the boundary of such properties, whichever distance is greater.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This legislation significantly reduces the area covered by the defined park zones, school zones, and public housing zones from 300 feet to 100 feet or one city block, potentially impacting how certain activities, particularly those involving controlled substances, are regulated near these areas.

Relevant Terms

• Park zone
• School zone
• Public housing zone
• Controlled substances
• Zone redefinition
• Public safety