The bill H.F. No. 1446, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives by Representative Rymer, proposes creating legal penalties for knowingly adulterating or altering a controlled substance or drug with fentanyl.

Key Provisions:

1. Felony Offense:

   • A person who intentionally alters or substitutes a drug or controlled substance with fentanyl is guilty of a felony.
     
   • A person who replaces a drug in any package or container with fentanyl or a fentanyl-containing substance is also guilty of a felony.
     

2. Exemptions:

   • These provisions do not apply to manufacturers, practitioners, pharmacists, pharmacy owners, and nurses when acting within their professional capacities.
     

3. Definitions:

   • Terms such as "controlled substance" and "drug" are defined according to Minnesota Statutes, section 152.01.
     

Impact:

The bill seeks to criminalize the deliberate contamination of drugs with fentanyl, a substance linked to overdose deaths and the ongoing opioid crisis. By establishing felony penalties, it aims to deter drug tampering and enhance public safety.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy for further consideration.