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State Representative Bob Barrett
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5377
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS RELEASE
HOUSE PASSES REP. BARRETT’S SYNTHETIC DRUG BILL
HOUSE PASSES REP. BARRETT’S SYNTHETIC DRUG BILL
Legislation addresses the growing problem of synthetic drug production and use in Minnesota
St. Paul – The Minnesota House of Representatives today passed bipartisan public safety legislation by Representative Bob Barrett (R-Shafer) that would enhance current statute in regard to the growing problem of synthetic drug production and use in Minnesota.
“I am proud that this important public safety legislation passed the House,” Representative Barrett said. “While progress was made in the past legislative session outlawing these substances, more needs to be done because of the inherent complexity of synthetic drugs. One change in molecular structure has, in the past, been enough to make a drug legal that should not be.”
House File 2508 would expand the definition of illicit ‘synthetic’ substances and grant the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy expedited rulemaking authority to handle the ever-changing chemical formulae used by drug producers. The bill would also increase the penalty for the sale of synthetic cannabinoids from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a $10,000 fine, or both.
“Synthetic drug use is an emerging, deadly problem in our state and country, and through this legislation I also hope to achieve public awareness so that parents understand the danger of these new drugs and how critically important it is to be able to recognize them,” Representative Barrett added. “It seems like every week we are hearing of more teen hospitalizations owing to these new, and often unrecognized, drugs. These hospitalizations didn’t need to happen.”
The bill passed with solid, bipartisan support on a vote of 120-11 and has gained support from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, League of Minnesota Cities, Minnesota Board of Health, Minnesota County Attorneys Association and local law enforcement agencies. Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) sponsors the companion.
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Barrett can be reached by phone at (651) 296-5377. He can also be contacted via e-mail at rep.bob.barrett@house.mn, or via U.S. Mail at 413 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.
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