Bill > HF1900

This bill modifies provisions related to public assistance eligibility for individuals with drug-related felony convictions. The bill makes several key changes to existing law, specifically in sections 142G.18 and 256D.024. For individuals convicted of certain felony-level drug offenses within the past ten years, the bill narrows the range of specific drug offense statutes that trigger benefits restrictions, removing some sections and keeping others. For SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, the bill maintains that individuals with qualifying drug convictions may still receive benefits if otherwise eligible, and are subject to potential random drug testing. If a participant tests positive for an illegal controlled substance, the county must provide information about substance use disorder treatment programs. Importantly, the bill explicitly excludes convictions or positive test results related to cannabis, marijuana, or tetrahydrocannabinols from these restrictions. The drug offenses covered include specific Minnesota statutes and comparable felony-level offenses from other jurisdictions that would be considered felonies in Minnesota. The overall intent appears to be providing a pathway to assistance while encouraging treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with past drug-related convictions.

Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1900&ssn=0&y=2025