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HF 897

Protection to children and vulnerable adults from exposure to fentanyl provided, and criminal penalties for violation imposed.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Altendorf and 8 co-sponsors

HF 897 adds penalties and protections to curb fentanyl exposure for children and vulnerable adults, requiring safety measures and enforcement.

Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to Children and Families Finance and Policy
#childrenandminors #drugsandmedicine #publicsafetydepartment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 897

Summary of HF 897 (2025-2026) – Protection to Children and Vulnerable Adults from Exposure to Fentanyl; Penalties and Provisions

Purpose and intent

HF 897 aims to protect children and vulnerable adults from exposure to fentanyl and to establish criminal penalties for violations. The bill focuses on reducing the risk and harm posed by fentanyl exposure in environments involving minors and vulnerable populations, addressing safety, reporting, and enforcement concerns.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced and amended)

  • Prohibition and protections: The bill establishes duties or prohibitions designed to limit exposure to fentanyl for children and vulnerable adults. While specific language is not provided in the summary, typical elements would include prohibiting possession or access to fentanyl in settings where children or vulnerable adults are present, and mandating safe handling or environmental controls.

  • Penalties: The measure creates criminal penalties for violations related to exposure or exposure-related actions. Penalty details (e.g., misdemeanor vs. felony classifications, fine amounts, or sentencing ranges) would be specified in the enacted text.

  • Reporting and enforcement: The bill is likely to outline enforcement mechanisms and responsibilities for law enforcement or child protection agencies, including investigative duties and potential coordination with health or social services.

  • Protective measures for facilities: Possible requirements for schools, child care facilities, nursing homes, or other settings to implement safety protocols, training, secure storage requirements, or periodic inspections to prevent fentanyl exposure.

  • Collaboration and oversight: The bill may establish or empower a task force, advisory committee, or reporting requirements to monitor incidents of fentanyl exposure affecting children or vulnerable adults and to assess outcomes of enforcement actions.

  • Definitions: Key terms such as “fentanyl,” “child,” and “vulnerable adult” would be precisely defined to ensure clear application of the statute.

Who is affected

  • Children and vulnerable adults: The primary protected population targeted by the bill, including those in schools, care facilities, homes, or community settings.
  • Families and caregivers: Individuals responsible for the safety and welfare of minors or vulnerable adults could be subject to new duties or compliance requirements.
  • Institutions and facilities: Schools, child care providers, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, shelters, and other places where children or vulnerable adults may be present.
  • Law enforcement and public health agencies: Entities responsible for enforcing the new provisions and responding to incidents.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: February 17, 2025, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy.
  • Committee action: March 10, 2025, an author addition (Schwartz) and referral to the committee.
  • Committee report: March 17, 2025, with a recommendation to adopt as amended and re-refer to the Children and Families Finance and Policy committee.

Additional notes

  • The bill’s exact statutory language, specific definitions, and detailed penalties are not provided in the summary. Readers should review the full text to understand the precise scope, criminal classifications, penalties, exemptions, and enforcement procedures.
  • The bill is a measure sponsored with multiple co-sponsors, indicating bipartisan or cross-ideological interest in addressing fentanyl exposure risks to vulnerable populations.

If you’d like, I can pull the latest textual language or provide a comparison to current Minnesota statutes to highlight what changes HF 897 would implement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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