Tim Pawlenty on Drugs Republican MN Governor

Legalizing marijuana is unneeded & unwise

Vetoed legalizing medical marijuana

• Legally protecting qualified patients and primary caregivers for limited amounts in possession
• Issuing registry identification cards to qualifying patients, primary suppliers, and treatment facilities
• Requiring criminal history background checks of primary caregivers before issuance of a registry identification card
• Sunset provision (automatic expiration of law)

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-64-1 on May 18; passed Senate 38-28-1 on May 18; vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May 22

Tougher penalties for meth offenders

Proposed and signed the most comprehensive crime bill in modern Minnesota history, including:
• Tougher penalties for meth offenders, more resources to enforce meth laws and aggressive restrictions on methamphetamine-making materials plus strict new standards to clean up meth sites.
• Combined and strengthened the Gang and Drug Strike Forces.
• Introduced America’s most secure, tamper-resistant driver’s licenses.