HF2998

HF2998 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

End-of-life option for terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less established, criminal penalties provided, certain data classified, immunity for certain acts provided, and enforcement authorized.

Related bill: SF3215

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish an End-of-Life Option for terminally ill adults in Minnesota. It outlines procedures and legal frameworks to allow these individuals with a prognosis of six months or less to make decisions about ending their life.

Main Provisions

End-of-Life Decision-Making: The bill provides terminally ill adults with the option to voluntarily end their life through prescribed medication.
Eligibility Criteria: Adults must be diagnosed with a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or fewer to live.
Safeguards and Procedures: The law includes specific procedures and safeguards to ensure the decision is made voluntarily, including multiple requests and confirmations.
Criminal Penalties: Establishes legal consequences for coercing or manipulating an individual into ending their life, ensuring the process is free from undue influence.
Data Classification: Certain related data will be classified to protect privacy.
Reporting Requirements: Healthcare providers and relevant parties need to report specific information about the use and operation of this option.
Immunity Provisions: The bill provides legal immunity for healthcare providers and others involved in the process when following legal protocols.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amendments to Statutes: Changes were proposed to Minnesota Statutes 2024 regarding insurance policies (61A.031), enforcement of regulations (144.99 subdivision 1), and laws concerning assisting suicide (609.215 subdivision 3).
New Legal Framework: The bill creates a new chapter in the Minnesota Statutes, coded as chapter 145E, specifically dedicated to the End-of-Life Option Act.

Relevant Terms

End-of-life
Terminally ill
Six-month prognosis
Criminal penalties
Voluntary euthanasia
Physician-assisted suicide
Legal immunity
Data privacy

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
April 01, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Health Finance and Policy
April 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added
April 03, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New regulations for insurance coverage options for end-of-life decisions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends section 61A.031, which relates to health insurance regulations.",
      "modified": [
        "Modifications to existing insurance frameworks applicable to terminally ill patients."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "61A.031",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional enforcement mechanisms for end-of-life option violations."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments to section 144.99, subdivision 1, which governs enforcement authority of health-related provisions.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifications on enforcement authority and jurisdiction."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144.99",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Newly defined penalties specific to breaches under the End-of-Life Option Act."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends section 609.215, subdivision 3, concerning criminal penalties related to assisted suicide.",
      "modified": [
        "Modification of language to differentiate between unlawful actions and assisted-end-of-life options."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.215",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]