Enforce Zero Tolerance for Drug Possession in Minnesota high schools

 

This bill's goal is to make Minnesota high schools safer and healthier by strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for

having drugs on school property. This bill also adds drug prevention education for all students to teach them the real

effects of drugs, how to make good choices, and how to avoid using drugs in the future. Every student should be able to

learn in a place where there are no illegal drugs or other harmful things.

 

Using drugs illegally in schools makes students less safe, hurts their mental health, and hurts their grades.

Drug use, even in tiny doses, can result in fights, overdoses, bullying, and risky use, even in tiny doses, can result

in fights, accidental deaths, bullying, and risky Choices.

Laws are already in place in many districts, their enforcement varies all across Minnesota.

schools only punish without prevention, others provide education and support.

schools follow to a single, specific state standard for instruction and discipline, this law promotes equal opportunity

and improves student protection all across the state.

 

“Drug” of the controlled substances specified in Minnesota Statute §152.01, such as synthetic substances, illegal

narcotics, and prescription medications taken without permission.

“Zero Tolerance” that no student is allowed to carry, use, distribute, or share drugs on school property, on school

buses, or during any activity associated with the school.

“Prevention Education” Sessions that educate students on the potential risks of drug use to their bodies, minds, and

legal rights and additionally the way to get help.

 

 

Schools may support prevention education programs by means of community partnerships, local prevention grants, or

existing Safe Schools revenue. In order to assist smaller districts cut their costs, the Minnesota Department of

Education (MDE) will be offering free online resources and advice. Is not a requirement for new taxes, and districts are

able to get assistance from nonprofits or local health departments.

 

 

1. A Minimum of five (5) school days will be suspended for any student found in possession of or using drugs on school

property or during activities organized by the school.

2. Student must finish at least three (3) authorized by the district prevention education sessions before they are

allowed to return their studies.

3. professional counseling or rehabilitation programs may be granted to repeat offenders.

4. number of drug-related incidents and actions must be documented and reported by each school to the Minnesota

Department of Education on annually.

5. restored, schools that ignoreor violate this rule could loss a portion of their Safe Schools funding.

6. Non-compliant districts may be asked to submit improvement plans, and the Minnesota Department of Education will keep

an eye on compliance.

 

 

This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026, to give all school districts time to update their student conduct policies

and prepare prevention programs before the next school year.