MN SF773

Lowers threshold amounts for controlled substance sale and possession crimes across first through fifth degree offenses, effective August 1, 2015.

Eliminates mandatory minimum sentences by repealing Minnesota Statutes section 152.026, allowing judges discretion in sentencing for controlled substance convictions.

Makes stay of adjudication mandatory for first-time drug offenders found guilty of possession under sections 152.024, 152.025, or 152.027, without entering a judgment of guilt upon successful probation completion.

Expands nonviolent controlled substance offender conditional release program by reducing required time served from 36 months to 18 months and shortening lookback period for violent crime convictions from ten to five years.

Appropriates funds to the Commissioner of Corrections for fiscal years 2016-2017 to support substance abuse treatment, mental health programs, offender education, and crime victim services, with savings from bill provisions to be added to DOC base budget in subsequent bienniums.