{
  "batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_anchor",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Statutory code anchor and chapter identification",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statutes Chapter 617 establishes the legal framework for obscenity, harmful materials, and nuisance provisions in Minnesota law.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statutes Chapter 617 establishes the legal framework for obscenity, harmful materials, and nuisance provisions in Minnesota law.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“CHAPTER 617. ABORTION; OBSCENITY; NUISANCE\n\nTable of Sections\n\nSection\n\nHeadnote\n\n[617.01](/statutes/cite/617.01)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.02](/statutes/cite/617.02)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.03](/statutes/cite/617.03)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.04](/statutes/cite/617.04)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.05](/statutes/cite/617.05)\n\nMS 1965 \\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.06](/statutes/cite/617.06)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.07](/statutes/cite/617.07)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.08](/statutes/cite/617.08)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.09](/statutes/cite/617.09)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.10](/statutes/cite/617.10)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.11](/statutes/cite/617.11)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.12](/statutes/cite/617.12)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.13](/statutions/cite/617.13)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.14](/statutes/cite/617.14)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.15](/statutes/cite/617.15)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.16](/statutes/cite/617.16)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.17](/statutes/cite/617.17)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.18](/statutes/cite/617.18)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1974 c 177 s 7](/laws/1974/0/177/#laws.0.7.0)\\]\n\n[617.19](/statutes/cite/617.19)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1974 c 177 s 7](/laws/1974/0/177/#laws.0.7.0)\\]\n\n[617.20](/statutes/cite/617.20)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.201](/statutes/cite/617.201)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.202](/statutes/cite/617.202)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.21](/statutes/cite/617.21)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\nCONCEALING BIRTH\n\n[617.22](/statutes/cite/617.22)\n\nCONCEALING BIRTH.\n\nOBSCENITY\n\n[617.23](/statutes/cite/617.23)\n\nINDECENT EXPOSURE; PENALTIES.\n\n[617.24](/statutes/cite/617.24)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1961 c 664 s 2](/laws/1961/0/664/#laws.0.2.0)\\]\n\n[617.241](/statutes/cite/617.241)\n\nOBSCENE MATERIALS AND PERFORMANCES; DISTRIBUTION AND EXHIBITION PROHIBITED; PENALTY.\n\n[617.242](/statutes/cite/617.242)\n\nADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS.\n\n[617.243](/statutes/cite/617.243)\n\nINDECENT LITERATURE, DISTRIBUTION.\n\n[617.245](/statutes/cite/617.245)\n\nCIVIL ACTION; USE OF MINOR IN SEXUAL PERFORMANCE.\n\n[617.246](/statutes/cite/617.246)\n\nUSE OF MINORS IN SEXUAL PERFORMANCE PROHIBITED.\n\n[617.247](/statutes/cite/617.247)\n\nPOSSESSION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL.\n\n[617.2471](/statutes/cite/617.2471)\n\nIMMUNITY.\n\n[617.25](/statutes/cite/617.25)\n\nMS 2006 \\[Renumbered 617.201\\]\n\n[617.251](/statutes/cite/617.251)\n\nMS 2006 \\[Renumbered [617.202](/statutes/cite/617.202)\\]\n\n[617.26](/statutes/cite/617.26)\n\nMAILING AND CARRYING OBSCENE MATTER.\n\n[617.261](/statutes/cite/617.261)\n\nNONCONSENSUAL DISSEMINATION OF PRIVATE SEXUAL IMAGES.\n\n[617.262](/statutes/cite/617.262)\n\nNONCONSENSUAL DISSEMINATION OF A DEEP FAKE DEPICTING INTIMATE PARTS OR SEXUAL ACTS.\n\n[617.27](/statutes/cite/617.27)\n\nSEARCH WARRANT; DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.\n\n[617.28](/statutes/cite/617.28)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.29](/statutes/cite/617.29)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.291](/statutes/cite/617.291)\n\nSEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL AND EXHIBITIONS; PURPOSE AND POLICY.\n\n[617.292](/statutes/cite/617.292)\n\nDEFINITIONS.\n\n[617.293](/statutes/cite/617.293)\n\nHARMFUL MATERIALS; DISSEMINATION AND DISPLAY TO MINORS PROHIBITED.\n\n[617.294](/statutes/cite/617.294)\n\nEXHIBITION PROHIBITED.\n\n[617.295](/statutes/cite/617.295)\n\nEXEMPTIONS.\n\n[617.296](/statutes/cite/617.296)\n\nPENALTIES; INJUNCTIVE REMEDIES.\n\n[617.297](/statutes/cite/617.297)\n\nEVIDENCE OF ADHERENCE TO MOTION PICTURE RATING SYSTEM.\n\n[617.298](/statutes/cite/617.298)\n\nOBSCENE MOTION PICTURES AT DRIVE-IN THEATERS; DEFINITIONS.\n\n[617.299](/statutes/cite/617.299)\n\nOBSCENE MOTION PICTURES; PROHIBITING EXHIBITION AT DRIVE-IN THEATERS.\n\n[617.30](/statutes/cite/617.30)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.31](/statutes/cite/617.31)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.32](/statutes/cite/617.32)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.325](/statutes/cite/617.325)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.33](/statutes/cite/617.33)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.34](/statutes/cite/617.34)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.35](/statutes/cite/617.35)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.36](/statutes/cite/617.36)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.37](/statutes/cite/617.37)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.38](/statutes/cite/617.38)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.39](/statutes/cite/617.39)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.40](/statutes/cite/617.40)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.41](/statutes/cite/617.41)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.42](/statutes/cite/617.42)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.42](/statutes/cite/624.42)\\]\n\n[617.43](/statutes/cite/617.43)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.43](/statutes/cite/624.43)\\]\n\n[617.44](/statutes/cite/617.44)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.44](/statutes/cite/624.44)\\]\n\n[617.45](/statutes/cite/617.45)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.45](/statutes/cite/624.45)\\]\n\n[617.46](/statutes/cite/617.46)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.46](/statutes/cite/624.46)\\]\n\n[617.47](/statutes/cite/617.47)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.47](/statutes/cite/624.47)\\]\n\n[617.48](/statutes/cite/617.48)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.48](/statutes/cite/624.48)\\]\n\n[617.49](/statutes/cite/617.49)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.49](/statutes/cite/624.49)\\]\n\n[617.50](/statutes/cite/617.50)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.50](/statutes/cite/624.50)\\]\n\n[617.51](/statatures/cite/617.51)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.51](/statutes/cite/624.51)\\]\n\n[617.52](/statutes/cite/617.52)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.52](/statutes/cite/624.52)\\]\n\n[617.53](/statutes/cite/617.53)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.53](/statutes/cite/624.53)\\]\n\n[617.54](/statutes/cite/617.54)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.54](/statutes/cite/624.54)\\]\n\n[617.55](/statutes/cite/617.55)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.56](/statutes/cite/617.56)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.57](/statates/cite/617.57)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.58](/statutes/cite/617.58)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.59](/statutes/cite/617.59)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.60](/statutes/cite/617.60)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.61](/statutes/cite/617.61)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.62](/statutes/cite/617.62)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.63](/statutes/cite/617.63)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.64](/statutes/cite/617.64)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.65](/statutes/cite/617.65)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.66](/statutes/cite/617.66)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.67](/statutes/cite/617.67)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.68](/statutes/cite/617.68)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.69](/statutes/cite/617.69)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.701](/statutes/cite/624.701)\\]\n\n[617.70](/statutes/cite/617.70)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.702](/statutes/cite/624.702)\\]\n\n[617.71](/statutes/cite/617.71)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.703](/statutes/cite/624.703)\\]\n\n[617.715](/statutes/cite/617.715)\n\n\\[Renumbered [126.19](/statutes/cite/126.19)\\]\n\n[617.72](/statutes/cite/617.72)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.73](/statutes/cite/617.73)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.74](/statutes/cite/617.74)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.75](/statutes/cite/617.75)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\nNUISANCE\n\n[617.80](/statutes/cite/617.80)\n\nDEFINITIONS.\n\n[617.81](/statutes/cite/617.81)\n\nNUISANCE; ACTS CONSTITUTING; INJUNCTION; NOTICE.\n\n[617.82](/statutes/cite/617.82)\n\nAGREED ABATEMENT PLANS; TEMPORARY ORDER.\n\n[617.83](/statutes/cite/617.83)\n\nINJUNCTION; ORDER OF ABATEMENT.\n\n[617.84](/statutes/cite/617.84)\n\nMOVABLE PROPERTY.\n\n[617.85](/statutes/cite/617.85)\n\nNUISANCE; MOTION TO CANCEL LEASE.\n\n[617.86](/statutes/cite/617.86)\n\nCONTEMPT.\n\n[617.87](/statutes/cite/617.87)\n\nRELEASE OF PROPERTY.\n\n[617.88](/statutes/cite/617.88)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1996 c 453 s 3](/laws/1996/0/453/#laws.0.3.0)\\]\n\n[617.89](/statutes/cite/617.89)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1996 c 453 s 3](/laws/1996/0/453/#laws.0.3.0)\\]\n\n[617.90](/statutes/cite/617.90)\n\nGRAFFITI DAMAGE ACTION.\n\n[617.91](/statutes/cite/617.91)\n\nDEFINITIONS.\n\n[617.92](/statutes/cite/617.92)\n\nPUBLIC NUISANCE.\n\n[617.93](/statutes/cite/617.93)\n\nSUIT TO ABATE NUISANCE.\n\n[617.94](/statutes/cite/617.94)\n\nCOURT ORDER.\n\n[617.95](/statutes/cite/617.95)\n\nVIOLATION OF COURT ORDER; FINE AND CRIMINAL PENALTY.\n\n[617.96](/statutes/cite/617.96)\n\nATTORNEY FEES.\n\n[617.97](/statutes/cite/617.97)\n\nUSE OF PLACE; EVIDENCE.\n\nOfficial Publication of the State of Minnesota  \nRevisor of Statutes\n\n##### About the Legislature\n\n-   [Historical Information](https://www.lrl.mn.gov/history/)\n-   [Employment/Internships](https://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/jobs.aspx)\n-   [Visiting the Capitol](https://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/faq/faq?subject=14)\n-   [Accessibility](https://www.lcc.mn.gov/diversity-and-inclusion/accessibility/)\n-   [Frequently Asked Questions](http://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/faq/faqtoc.aspx)\n\n##### Contact Your Legislator\n\n-   [Who Represents Me?](http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts/)\n-   [House Members](http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/hmem.asp)\n-   [Senators](https://www.senate.mn/members/index.php)\n\n##### General Contact\n\n-   Contact a legislative librarian:\n-   [(651) 296-8338](tel:651-296-8338) or [Email](https://www.lrl.mn.gov/comments)\n-   [Phone Numbers](https://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/legdir)\n-   [Submit website comments](https://www.lrl.mn.gov/comments)\n\n##### Get Connected\n\n-   [House News](http://www.house.mn/hinfo/news.asp)\n-   [Senate News](http://www.senate.mn/media/)\n-   [MyBills](https://www.leg.mn.gov/mybills/)\n-   [Email Updates & RSS Feeds](https://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/elists)\n\nMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Centennial Office Building, 3rd Floor, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155”\n\nNote: Official Minnesota Statutes Chapter 617 contains all obscenity and harmful material provisions. This anchor record establishes the statutory authority source.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "CHAPTER 617. ABORTION; OBSCENITY; NUISANCE\n\nTable of Sections\n\nSection\n\nHeadnote\n\n[617.01](/statutes/cite/617.01)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.02](/statutes/cite/617.02)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.03](/statutes/cite/617.03)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.04](/statutes/cite/617.04)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.05](/statutes/cite/617.05)\n\nMS 1965 \\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.06](/statutes/cite/617.06)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.07](/statutes/cite/617.07)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.08](/statutes/cite/617.08)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.09](/statutes/cite/617.09)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.10](/statutes/cite/617.10)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.11](/statutes/cite/617.11)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.12](/statutes/cite/617.12)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.13](/statutions/cite/617.13)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.14](/statutes/cite/617.14)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.15](/statutes/cite/617.15)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.16](/statutes/cite/617.16)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.17](/statutes/cite/617.17)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.18](/statutes/cite/617.18)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1974 c 177 s 7](/laws/1974/0/177/#laws.0.7.0)\\]\n\n[617.19](/statutes/cite/617.19)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1974 c 177 s 7](/laws/1974/0/177/#laws.0.7.0)\\]\n\n[617.20](/statutes/cite/617.20)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.201](/statutes/cite/617.201)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.202](/statutes/cite/617.202)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.21](/statutes/cite/617.21)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\nCONCEALING BIRTH\n\n[617.22](/statutes/cite/617.22)\n\nCONCEALING BIRTH.\n\nOBSCENITY\n\n[617.23](/statutes/cite/617.23)\n\nINDECENT EXPOSURE; PENALTIES.\n\n[617.24](/statutes/cite/617.24)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1961 c 664 s 2](/laws/1961/0/664/#laws.0.2.0)\\]\n\n[617.241](/statutes/cite/617.241)\n\nOBSCENE MATERIALS AND PERFORMANCES; DISTRIBUTION AND EXHIBITION PROHIBITED; PENALTY.\n\n[617.242](/statutes/cite/617.242)\n\nADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS.\n\n[617.243](/statutes/cite/617.243)\n\nINDECENT LITERATURE, DISTRIBUTION.\n\n[617.245](/statutes/cite/617.245)\n\nCIVIL ACTION; USE OF MINOR IN SEXUAL PERFORMANCE.\n\n[617.246](/statutes/cite/617.246)\n\nUSE OF MINORS IN SEXUAL PERFORMANCE PROHIBITED.\n\n[617.247](/statutes/cite/617.247)\n\nPOSSESSION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL.\n\n[617.2471](/statutes/cite/617.2471)\n\nIMMUNITY.\n\n[617.25](/statutes/cite/617.25)\n\nMS 2006 \\[Renumbered 617.201\\]\n\n[617.251](/statutes/cite/617.251)\n\nMS 2006 \\[Renumbered [617.202](/statutes/cite/617.202)\\]\n\n[617.26](/statutes/cite/617.26)\n\nMAILING AND CARRYING OBSCENE MATTER.\n\n[617.261](/statutes/cite/617.261)\n\nNONCONSENSUAL DISSEMINATION OF PRIVATE SEXUAL IMAGES.\n\n[617.262](/statutes/cite/617.262)\n\nNONCONSENSUAL DISSEMINATION OF A DEEP FAKE DEPICTING INTIMATE PARTS OR SEXUAL ACTS.\n\n[617.27](/statutes/cite/617.27)\n\nSEARCH WARRANT; DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.\n\n[617.28](/statutes/cite/617.28)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.29](/statutes/cite/617.29)\n\nMS 2022 \\[Repealed, [2023 c 52 art 4 s 25](/laws/2023/0/52/#laws.4.25.0)\\]\n\n[617.291](/statutes/cite/617.291)\n\nSEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL AND EXHIBITIONS; PURPOSE AND POLICY.\n\n[617.292](/statutes/cite/617.292)\n\nDEFINITIONS.\n\n[617.293](/statutes/cite/617.293)\n\nHARMFUL MATERIALS; DISSEMINATION AND DISPLAY TO MINORS PROHIBITED.\n\n[617.294](/statutes/cite/617.294)\n\nEXHIBITION PROHIBITED.\n\n[617.295](/statutes/cite/617.295)\n\nEXEMPTIONS.\n\n[617.296](/statutes/cite/617.296)\n\nPENALTIES; INJUNCTIVE REMEDIES.\n\n[617.297](/statutes/cite/617.297)\n\nEVIDENCE OF ADHERENCE TO MOTION PICTURE RATING SYSTEM.\n\n[617.298](/statutes/cite/617.298)\n\nOBSCENE MOTION PICTURES AT DRIVE-IN THEATERS; DEFINITIONS.\n\n[617.299](/statutes/cite/617.299)\n\nOBSCENE MOTION PICTURES; PROHIBITING EXHIBITION AT DRIVE-IN THEATERS.\n\n[617.30](/statutes/cite/617.30)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.31](/statutes/cite/617.31)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.32](/statutes/cite/617.32)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.325](/statutes/cite/617.325)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1967 c 507 s 12](/laws/1967/0/507/#laws.0.12.0)\\]\n\n[617.33](/statutes/cite/617.33)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.34](/statutes/cite/617.34)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.35](/statutes/cite/617.35)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.36](/statutes/cite/617.36)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.37](/statutes/cite/617.37)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.38](/statutes/cite/617.38)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.39](/statutes/cite/617.39)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.40](/statutes/cite/617.40)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.41](/statutes/cite/617.41)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1987 c 283 s 9](/laws/1987/0/283/#laws.0.9.0)\\]\n\n[617.42](/statutes/cite/617.42)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.42](/statutes/cite/624.42)\\]\n\n[617.43](/statutes/cite/617.43)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.43](/statutes/cite/624.43)\\]\n\n[617.44](/statutes/cite/617.44)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.44](/statutes/cite/624.44)\\]\n\n[617.45](/statutes/cite/617.45)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.45](/statutes/cite/624.45)\\]\n\n[617.46](/statutes/cite/617.46)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.46](/statutes/cite/624.46)\\]\n\n[617.47](/statutes/cite/617.47)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.47](/statutes/cite/624.47)\\]\n\n[617.48](/statutes/cite/617.48)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.48](/statutes/cite/624.48)\\]\n\n[617.49](/statutes/cite/617.49)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.49](/statutes/cite/624.49)\\]\n\n[617.50](/statutes/cite/617.50)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.50](/statutes/cite/624.50)\\]\n\n[617.51](/statatures/cite/617.51)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.51](/statutes/cite/624.51)\\]\n\n[617.52](/statutes/cite/617.52)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.52](/statutes/cite/624.52)\\]\n\n[617.53](/statutes/cite/617.53)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.53](/statutes/cite/624.53)\\]\n\n[617.54](/statutes/cite/617.54)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.54](/statutes/cite/624.54)\\]\n\n[617.55](/statutes/cite/617.55)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.56](/statutes/cite/617.56)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.57](/statates/cite/617.57)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.58](/statutes/cite/617.58)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.59](/statutes/cite/617.59)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.60](/statutes/cite/617.60)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.61](/statutes/cite/617.61)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.62](/statutes/cite/617.62)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.63](/statutes/cite/617.63)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.64](/statutes/cite/617.64)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.65](/statutes/cite/617.65)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.66](/statutes/cite/617.66)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.67](/statutes/cite/617.67)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.68](/statutes/cite/617.68)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.69](/statutes/cite/617.69)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.701](/statutes/cite/624.701)\\]\n\n[617.70](/statutes/cite/617.70)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.702](/statutes/cite/624.702)\\]\n\n[617.71](/statutes/cite/617.71)\n\n\\[Renumbered [624.703](/statutes/cite/624.703)\\]\n\n[617.715](/statutes/cite/617.715)\n\n\\[Renumbered [126.19](/statutes/cite/126.19)\\]\n\n[617.72](/statutes/cite/617.72)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.73](/statutes/cite/617.73)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.74](/statutes/cite/617.74)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\n[617.75](/statutes/cite/617.75)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1963 c 753 art 2 s 17](/laws/1963/0/753/#laws.2.17.0)\\]\n\nNUISANCE\n\n[617.80](/statutes/cite/617.80)\n\nDEFINITIONS.\n\n[617.81](/statutes/cite/617.81)\n\nNUISANCE; ACTS CONSTITUTING; INJUNCTION; NOTICE.\n\n[617.82](/statutes/cite/617.82)\n\nAGREED ABATEMENT PLANS; TEMPORARY ORDER.\n\n[617.83](/statutes/cite/617.83)\n\nINJUNCTION; ORDER OF ABATEMENT.\n\n[617.84](/statutes/cite/617.84)\n\nMOVABLE PROPERTY.\n\n[617.85](/statutes/cite/617.85)\n\nNUISANCE; MOTION TO CANCEL LEASE.\n\n[617.86](/statutes/cite/617.86)\n\nCONTEMPT.\n\n[617.87](/statutes/cite/617.87)\n\nRELEASE OF PROPERTY.\n\n[617.88](/statutes/cite/617.88)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1996 c 453 s 3](/laws/1996/0/453/#laws.0.3.0)\\]\n\n[617.89](/statutes/cite/617.89)\n\n\\[Repealed, [1996 c 453 s 3](/laws/1996/0/453/#laws.0.3.0)\\]\n\n[617.90](/statutes/cite/617.90)\n\nGRAFFITI DAMAGE ACTION.\n\n[617.91](/statutes/cite/617.91)\n\nDEFINITIONS.\n\n[617.92](/statutes/cite/617.92)\n\nPUBLIC NUISANCE.\n\n[617.93](/statutes/cite/617.93)\n\nSUIT TO ABATE NUISANCE.\n\n[617.94](/statutes/cite/617.94)\n\nCOURT ORDER.\n\n[617.95](/statutes/cite/617.95)\n\nVIOLATION OF COURT ORDER; FINE AND CRIMINAL PENALTY.\n\n[617.96](/statutes/cite/617.96)\n\nATTORNEY FEES.\n\n[617.97](/statutes/cite/617.97)\n\nUSE OF PLACE; EVIDENCE.\n\nOfficial Publication of the State of Minnesota  \nRevisor of Statutes\n\n##### About the Legislature\n\n-   [Historical Information](https://www.lrl.mn.gov/history/)\n-   [Employment/Internships](https://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/jobs.aspx)\n-   [Visiting the Capitol](https://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/faq/faq?subject=14)\n-   [Accessibility](https://www.lcc.mn.gov/diversity-and-inclusion/accessibility/)\n-   [Frequently Asked Questions](http://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/faq/faqtoc.aspx)\n\n##### Contact Your Legislator\n\n-   [Who Represents Me?](http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts/)\n-   [House Members](http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/hmem.asp)\n-   [Senators](https://www.senate.mn/members/index.php)\n\n##### General Contact\n\n-   Contact a legislative librarian:\n-   [(651) 296-8338](tel:651-296-8338) or [Email](https://www.lrl.mn.gov/comments)\n-   [Phone Numbers](https://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/legdir)\n-   [Submit website comments](https://www.lrl.mn.gov/comments)\n\n##### Get Connected\n\n-   [House News](http://www.house.mn/hinfo/news.asp)\n-   [Senate News](http://www.senate.mn/media/)\n-   [MyBills](https://www.leg.mn.gov/mybills/)\n-   [Email Updates & RSS Feeds](https://www.leg.mn.gov/leg/elists)\n\nMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Centennial Office Building, 3rd Floor, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statutes Chapter 617 (ABORTION; OBSCENITY; NUISANCE)",
      "topic": "statutory code anchor and chapter identification",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "failed",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "quote_is_nonanswer",
          "strong_label_on_weak_content"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_241_definitions",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.241 - OBSCENE MATERIALS AND PERFORMANCES: obscenity definitions",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.241 defines 'obscene' material using a three-prong test involving prurient interest, patently offensive sexual conduct, and lack of serious value.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.241 defines 'obscene' material using a three-prong test involving prurient interest, patently offensive sexual conduct, and lack of serious value.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them:\n\n(a) \"Obscene\" means that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest in sex and depicts or describes in a patently offensive manner sexual conduct and which, taken as a whole, does not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. In order to determine that a work is obscene, the trier of fact must find:\n\n(1) that the average person, applying contemporary community standards would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest in sex;\n\n(2) that the work depicts sexual conduct specifically defined by paragraph (b) in a patently offensive manner; and\n\n(3) that the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.\n\n(b) \"Sexual conduct\" means any of the following:\n\n(1) An act of sexual intercourse, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including genital-genital, anal-genital, or oral-genital intercourse, whether between human beings or between a human being and an animal.\n\n(2) Sadomasochistic abuse, meaning flagellation or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments or in a sexually revealing costume or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restricted on the part of one so clothed or who is nude.\n\n(3) Masturbation, excretory functions, or lewd exhibitions of the genitals including any explicit, close-up representation of a human genital organ.\n\n(4) Physical contact or simulated physical contact with the clothed or unclothed pubic areas or buttocks of a human male or female, or the breasts of the female, whether alone or between members of the same or opposite sex or between humans and animals in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification.\n\n(c) \"Community\" means the political subdivision from which persons properly qualified to serve as jurors in a criminal proceeding are chosen.\n\n(d) \"Work\" means \"material\" or \"performance.\"\n\n(e) \"Material\" means a book, magazine, pamphlet, paper, writing, card, advertisement, circular, print, picture, photograph, motion picture film, videotape, script, image, instrument, statue, drawing, or other article.\n\n(f) \"Performance\" means a play, motion picture, dance, or other exhibition performed before an audience.”\n\nNote: Section 617.241 establishes the foundational legal definition of obscenity used throughout Minnesota's obscenity statutes.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.241",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them:\n\n(a) \"Obscene\" means that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest in sex and depicts or describes in a patently offensive manner sexual conduct and which, taken as a whole, does not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. In order to determine that a work is obscene, the trier of fact must find:\n\n(1) that the average person, applying contemporary community standards would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest in sex;\n\n(2) that the work depicts sexual conduct specifically defined by paragraph (b) in a patently offensive manner; and\n\n(3) that the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.\n\n(b) \"Sexual conduct\" means any of the following:\n\n(1) An act of sexual intercourse, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including genital-genital, anal-genital, or oral-genital intercourse, whether between human beings or between a human being and an animal.\n\n(2) Sadomasochistic abuse, meaning flagellation or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments or in a sexually revealing costume or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restricted on the part of one so clothed or who is nude.\n\n(3) Masturbation, excretory functions, or lewd exhibitions of the genitals including any explicit, close-up representation of a human genital organ.\n\n(4) Physical contact or simulated physical contact with the clothed or unclothed pubic areas or buttocks of a human male or female, or the breasts of the female, whether alone or between members of the same or opposite sex or between humans and animals in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification.\n\n(c) \"Community\" means the political subdivision from which persons properly qualified to serve as jurors in a criminal proceeding are chosen.\n\n(d) \"Work\" means \"material\" or \"performance.\"\n\n(e) \"Material\" means a book, magazine, pamphlet, paper, writing, card, advertisement, circular, print, picture, photograph, motion picture film, videotape, script, image, instrument, statue, drawing, or other article.\n\n(f) \"Performance\" means a play, motion picture, dance, or other exhibition performed before an audience.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.241 - OBSCENE MATERIALS AND PERFORMANCES",
      "topic": "obscenity definitions",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_241_crime",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.241 - Criminal Offense Provisions: prohibited activities under obscenity law",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.241 prohibits knowingly exhibiting, selling, printing, offering to sell, giving away, circulating, publishing, distributing or attempting to distribute obscene material, or producing, presenting, participating in, or directing obscene performances.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.241 prohibits knowingly exhibiting, selling, printing, offering to sell, giving away, circulating, publishing, distributing or attempting to distribute obscene material, or producing, presenting, participating in, or directing obscene performances.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Subd. 2.Crime.\n\nIt is unlawful for a person, knowing or with reason to know its content and character, to:\n\n(a) exhibit, sell, print, offer to sell, give away, circulate, publish, distribute or attempt to distribute any obscene material; or\n\n(b) produce, present, participate in, or direct an obscene performance.”\n\nNote: Section 617.241, Subdivision 2 defines the specific criminal acts prohibited under Minnesota's obscenity statutes.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.241",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Subd. 2.Crime.\n\nIt is unlawful for a person, knowing or with reason to know its content and character, to:\n\n(a) exhibit, sell, print, offer to sell, give away, circulate, publish, distribute or attempt to distribute any obscene material; or\n\n(b) produce, present, participate in, or direct an obscene performance.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.241 - Criminal Offense Provisions",
      "topic": "prohibited activities under obscenity law",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_241_penalty",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Penalty structure for obscenity offenses",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.241 provides for gross misdemeanor penalties for first violations of obscenity prohibitions, with imprisonment up to 364 days or fines up to $3,000, and felony penalties with up to 2 years imprisonment or $10,000 fines for subsequent offenses within 5 years.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.241 provides for gross misdemeanor penalties for first violations of obscenity prohibitions, with imprisonment up to 364 days or fines up to $3,000, and felony penalties with up to 2 years imprisonment or $10,000 fines for subsequent offenses within 5 years.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Subd. 3.Penalty.\n\nA person violating subdivision 2 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 364 days, or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.\n\n[§](#stat.617.241.4 \"Link to Subd. 4.\")\n\n## Subd. 4.Second or subsequent violations.\n\nWhoever violates the provisions of subdivision 2 within five years of a previous conviction under that subdivision is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years, or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.”\n\nNote: Section 617.241 establishes a two-tiered penalty structure: gross misdemeanor for first offenses, felony for repeat offenses within 5 years.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.241",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Subd. 3.Penalty.\n\nA person violating subdivision 2 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 364 days, or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.\n\n[§](#stat.617.241.4 \"Link to Subd. 4.\")\n\n## Subd. 4.Second or subsequent violations.\n\nWhoever violates the provisions of subdivision 2 within five years of a previous conviction under that subdivision is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years, or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.241 - Penalties for Obscenity Violations",
      "topic": "penalty structure for obscenity offenses",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_243",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Prohibition of tying obscene literature to other sales",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.243 prohibits businesses from requiring purchasers to receive obscene material as a condition of sale or delivery for resale of legitimate publications.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.243 prohibits businesses from requiring purchasers to receive obscene material as a condition of sale or delivery for resale of legitimate publications.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Subdivision 1.Prohibited activity.\n\nNo person, copartnership or corporation shall, as a condition to a sale or delivery for resale of any paper, magazine, book, comic, periodical or publication, require that the purchaser or consignee receive for resale any other article, book, comic or other publication reasonably believed by the purchaser or consignee to be obscene as defined in section [617.241](/statutes/2025/cite/617.241).\n\n[§](#stat.617.243.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Penalty.\n\nA violation of subdivision 1 is a gross misdemeanor.”\n\nNote: Section 617.243 specifically targets 'tie-in' sales tactics where purchasing legitimate publications forces receipt of additional obscene material.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.243",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Subdivision 1.Prohibited activity.\n\nNo person, copartnership or corporation shall, as a condition to a sale or delivery for resale of any paper, magazine, book, comic, periodical or publication, require that the purchaser or consignee receive for resale any other article, book, comic or other publication reasonably believed by the purchaser or consignee to be obscene as defined in section [617.241](/statutes/2025/cite/617.241).\n\n[§](#stat.617.243.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Penalty.\n\nA violation of subdivision 1 is a gross misdemeanor.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.243 - Indecent Literature Distribution",
      "topic": "prohibition of tying obscene literature to other sales",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_26",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Prohibitions on transportation of obscene materials",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.26 prohibits depositing, transporting, or knowingly carrying obscene materials through the mail, express services, or other carriers with intent to convey them, with limited exemptions for licensed medical professionals.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.26 prohibits depositing, transporting, or knowingly carrying obscene materials through the mail, express services, or other carriers with intent to convey them, with limited exemptions for licensed medical professionals.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Every person who shall deposit or cause to be deposited in any post office in the state, or place in charge of any express company or other common carrier or person for transportation, any of the articles or things specified in section [617.241](/statutes/2025/cite/617.241), or any circular, book, pamphlet, advertisement or notice relating thereto, with the intent of having the same conveyed by mail, express, or in any other manner; or who shall knowingly or willfully receive the same with intent to carry or convey it, or shall knowingly carry or convey the same by express, or in any other manner except by United States mail, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to apply to an article or instrument used by physicians lawfully practicing, or by their direction or prescription, for the cure or prevention of disease.”\n\nNote: Section 617.26 extends obscenity prohibitions to the transportation and mailing of obscene materials, with specific exemptions for licensed medical practitioners.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.26",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Every person who shall deposit or cause to be deposited in any post office in the state, or place in charge of any express company or other common carrier or person for transportation, any of the articles or things specified in section [617.241](/statutes/2025/cite/617.241), or any circular, book, pamphlet, advertisement or notice relating thereto, with the intent of having the same conveyed by mail, express, or in any other manner; or who shall knowingly or willfully receive the same with intent to carry or convey it, or shall knowingly carry or convey the same by express, or in any other manner except by United States mail, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to apply to an article or instrument used by physicians lawfully practicing, or by their direction or prescription, for the cure or prevention of disease.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.26 - Mailing and Carrying Obscene Matter",
      "topic": "prohibitions on transportation of obscene materials",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_291",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Legislative findings on sexually explicit materials",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.291 states the legislature finds that sexually explicit materials and exhibitions presented before an audience are harmful to minors, and restricts commercial dissemination to persons over 17 years or recognized institutions for minors.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.291 states the legislature finds that sexually explicit materials and exhibitions presented before an audience are harmful to minors, and restricts commercial dissemination to persons over 17 years or recognized institutions for minors.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Subdivision 1.Finding.\n\nThe legislature finds that sexually explicit materials and exhibitions presented before an audience are harmful to minors.\n\n[§](#stat.617.291.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Best interest.\n\nIt is in the best interest of the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of this state, and especially of minors within the state, that commercial dissemination, and dissemination without monetary consideration in a place of public accommodation, of sexually explicit written, photographic, printed, sound or published materials, and of plays, dances, or other exhibitions presented before an audience, that are deemed harmful to minors, be restricted to persons over the age of 17 years; or, if available to minors under the age of 18 years, that the availability of the materials be restricted to sources within established and recognized schools, churches, museums, medical clinics and physicians, hospitals, public libraries, or government sponsored organizations.”\n\nNote: Section 617.291 establishes the legislative policy and purpose behind Minnesota's restrictions on sexually explicit materials, specifically citing harm to minors as justification.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.291",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Subdivision 1.Finding.\n\nThe legislature finds that sexually explicit materials and exhibitions presented before an audience are harmful to minors.\n\n[§](#stat.617.291.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Best interest.\n\nIt is in the best interest of the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of this state, and especially of minors within the state, that commercial dissemination, and dissemination without monetary consideration in a place of public accommodation, of sexually explicit written, photographic, printed, sound or published materials, and of plays, dances, or other exhibitions presented before an audience, that are deemed harmful to minors, be restricted to persons over the age of 17 years; or, if available to minors under the age of 18 years, that the availability of the materials be restricted to sources within established and recognized schools, churches, museums, medical clinics and physicians, hospitals, public libraries, or government sponsored organizations.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.291 - Sexually Explicit Material Purpose Statement",
      "topic": "legislative findings on sexually explicit materials",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_292_definitions",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Definitions for obscenity and harmful material statutes",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.292 provides comprehensive definitions for key legal terms including 'minor', 'nudity', 'sexual conduct', 'sexual excitement', 'sadomasochistic abuse', and 'harmful to minors' used throughout Chapter 617.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.292 provides comprehensive definitions for key legal terms including 'minor', 'nudity', 'sexual conduct', 'sexual excitement', 'sadomasochistic abuse', and 'harmful to minors' used throughout Chapter 617.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“As used in sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297), the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.\n\nSubd. 2.Minor.\n\n\"Minor\" means any person under the age of 18 years.\n\nSubd. 3.Nudity.\n\n\"Nudity\" means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple, or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.\n\nSubd. 4.Sexual conduct.\n\n\"Sexual conduct\" means acts of masturbation, homosexuality, sexual intercourse, or physical contact with a person's unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks or, if such a person be a female, her breast.\n\nSubd. 5.Sexual excitement.\n\n\"Sexual excitement\" means the condition of human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.\n\nSubd. 6.Sadomasochistic abuse.\n\n\"Sadomasochistic abuse\" means flagellation or torture by or upon a person clad in undergarments, a mask or bizarre costume, or the condition of being fettered, bound or otherwise physically restrained on the part of one so clothed.\n\nSubd. 7.Harmful to minors.\n\n\"Harmful to minors\" means that quality of any description or representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse, when it:\n\n(1) predominantly appeals to the prurient, shameful or morbid interest of minors;\n\n(2) is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for minors; and\n\n(3) is utterly without redeeming social importance for minors.\n\nSubd. 8.Knowingly.\n\n\"Knowingly\" means having general knowledge of, or reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry or both:\n\n(1) the character and content of any material which is reasonably susceptible of examination by the defendant; and\n\n(2) the age of the minor, provided however that an honest mistake shall constitute an excuse from liability hereunder if the defendant made a reasonable bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of such minor.”\n\nNote: Section 617.292 provides the essential legal definitions that operationalize Minnesota's obscenity and harmful materials statutes, particularly the three-prong test for 'harmful to minors'.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.292",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "As used in sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297), the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.\n\nSubd. 2.Minor.\n\n\"Minor\" means any person under the age of 18 years.\n\nSubd. 3.Nudity.\n\n\"Nudity\" means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple, or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.\n\nSubd. 4.Sexual conduct.\n\n\"Sexual conduct\" means acts of masturbation, homosexuality, sexual intercourse, or physical contact with a person's unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks or, if such a person be a female, her breast.\n\nSubd. 5.Sexual excitement.\n\n\"Sexual excitement\" means the condition of human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.\n\nSubd. 6.Sadomasochistic abuse.\n\n\"Sadomasochistic abuse\" means flagellation or torture by or upon a person clad in undergarments, a mask or bizarre costume, or the condition of being fettered, bound or otherwise physically restrained on the part of one so clothed.\n\nSubd. 7.Harmful to minors.\n\n\"Harmful to minors\" means that quality of any description or representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse, when it:\n\n(1) predominantly appeals to the prurient, shameful or morbid interest of minors;\n\n(2) is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for minors; and\n\n(3) is utterly without redeeming social importance for minors.\n\nSubd. 8.Knowingly.\n\n\"Knowingly\" means having general knowledge of, or reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry or both:\n\n(1) the character and content of any material which is reasonably susceptible of examination by the defendant; and\n\n(2) the age of the minor, provided however that an honest mistake shall constitute an excuse from liability hereunder if the defendant made a reasonable bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of such minor.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.292 - Legal Definitions for Harmful Materials",
      "topic": "definitions for obscenity and harmful material statutes",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_293",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Prohibition on selling/lending harmful materials to minors",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.293 prohibits knowingly selling or lending for monetary consideration to a minor any visual representations or written materials that depict nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse and are harmful to minors.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.293 prohibits knowingly selling or lending for monetary consideration to a minor any visual representations or written materials that depict nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse and are harmful to minors.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Subdivision 1.Dissemination.\n\nIt is unlawful for any person knowingly to sell or loan for monetary consideration to a minor:\n\n(a) any picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film, or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body which depicts nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors, or\n\n(b) any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter however reproduced, or sound recording which contains any matter enumerated in clause (a), or which contains explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse which, taken as a whole, is harmful to minors.\n\n[§](#stat.617.293.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Display.\n\n(a) It is unlawful for any person commercially and knowingly to exhibit or display any material which is harmful to minors in its content in any place of public accommodation where minors are or may be present and where minors are able to view the material unless each item is kept in a sealed wrapper at all times.\n\n(b) It is unlawful for any person commercially and knowingly to exhibit or display any material the cover or packaging of which, standing alone, is harmful to minors in any place of public accommodation where minors are or may be present or allowed to be present and where minors are able to view the material unless each item is blocked from view by an opaque cover. The opaque cover requirement is satisfied if those portions of the cover or packaging containing the material harmful to minors are blocked from view by an opaque cover.\n\n(c) The provisions of this subdivision do not apply to the exhibition or display of materials harmful to minors under circumstances where minors are not present or are not able to view the material or the material's cover or packaging. A person may comply with the requirements of this paragraph by (1) physically segregating the material in a manner that physically prohibits access to and view of the material by minors, (2) prominently posting at the entrance to the restricted area: \"Adults only--you must be 18 to enter,\" and (3) enforcing the restriction.”\n\nNote: Section 617.293 prohibits both the sale/lending of harmful materials to minors and the commercial display of such materials in public accommodations, with specific packaging and segregation requirements.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.293",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Subdivision 1.Dissemination.\n\nIt is unlawful for any person knowingly to sell or loan for monetary consideration to a minor:\n\n(a) any picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film, or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body which depicts nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors, or\n\n(b) any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter however reproduced, or sound recording which contains any matter enumerated in clause (a), or which contains explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse which, taken as a whole, is harmful to minors.\n\n[§](#stat.617.293.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Display.\n\n(a) It is unlawful for any person commercially and knowingly to exhibit or display any material which is harmful to minors in its content in any place of public accommodation where minors are or may be present and where minors are able to view the material unless each item is kept in a sealed wrapper at all times.\n\n(b) It is unlawful for any person commercially and knowingly to exhibit or display any material the cover or packaging of which, standing alone, is harmful to minors in any place of public accommodation where minors are or may be present or allowed to be present and where minors are able to view the material unless each item is blocked from view by an opaque cover. The opaque cover requirement is satisfied if those portions of the cover or packaging containing the material harmful to minors are blocked from view by an opaque cover.\n\n(c) The provisions of this subdivision do not apply to the exhibition or display of materials harmful to minors under circumstances where minors are not present or are not able to view the material or the material's cover or packaging. A person may comply with the requirements of this paragraph by (1) physically segregating the material in a manner that physically prohibits access to and view of the material by minors, (2) prominently posting at the entrance to the restricted area: \"Adults only--you must be 18 to enter,\" and (3) enforcing the restriction.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.293 - Harmful Materials Dissemination to Minors",
      "topic": "prohibition on selling/lending harmful materials to minors",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_294",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.294 - Exhibition Prohibitions: prohibition on exhibiting harmful material before minors",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.294 prohibits knowingly exhibiting or admitting minors to places where motion pictures, shows, or performances depict nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse that are harmful to minors, whether for monetary consideration or not.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.294 prohibits knowingly exhibiting or admitting minors to places where motion pictures, shows, or performances depict nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse that are harmful to minors, whether for monetary consideration or not.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“It is unlawful for any person knowingly to exhibit for a monetary consideration to a minor or knowingly to sell to a minor an admission ticket or pass or knowingly to admit a minor, whether or not for a monetary consideration, to a place of public accommodation where there is exhibited a motion picture, show or other presentation or a play, dance, or other exhibition presented before an audience which, in whole or in part, depicts nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors.”\n\nNote: Section 617.294 prohibits exhibition of harmful material to minors regardless of whether monetary consideration is involved, covering both admission to venues and the actual exhibition of prohibited content.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.294",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "It is unlawful for any person knowingly to exhibit for a monetary consideration to a minor or knowingly to sell to a minor an admission ticket or pass or knowingly to admit a minor, whether or not for a monetary consideration, to a place of public accommodation where there is exhibited a motion picture, show or other presentation or a play, dance, or other exhibition presented before an audience which, in whole or in part, depicts nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.294 - Exhibition Prohibitions",
      "topic": "prohibition on exhibiting harmful material before minors",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_242",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Regulations for adult entertainment businesses",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.242 regulates adult entertainment establishments through notice requirements, zoning restrictions, proximity limitations, operational hours, ownership restrictions, and allows local governments to impose additional regulations.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.242 regulates adult entertainment establishments through notice requirements, zoning restrictions, proximity limitations, operational hours, ownership restrictions, and allows local governments to impose additional regulations.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Subd. 1.Definitions.\n\nFor purposes of this section:\n\n(1) \"adult entertainment establishment\" means a business that is open only to adults and that presents live performances that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the depiction of sexual conduct or nudity;\n\n(2) \"sexual conduct\" has the meaning given in section 617.241; and\n\n(3) nudity has the meaning given in section 617.292, subdivision 3.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Notice to local government unit.\n\nA person must not operate an adult entertainment establishment at a location where this type of establishment was not previously located unless, at least 60 days before submitting a permit application for operation of the establishment or, if a permit is not required, at least 60 days before beginning operation of the establishment, the person gives written notice by certified mail to the chief clerical officer of the statutory or home rule charter city in which it will be located of the date on which the person intends to begin operation of the establishment. If the adult entertainment establishment is proposed to be located outside the boundaries of a statutory or home rule charter city the notice must be given to the clerk of the town board and the county auditor of the county in which the establishment is proposed to be located. Upon receipt of the notice, the officer must acknowledge receipt of the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the person, and notify the governing body or town board of the receipt of the notice. The governing body or town board may conduct hearings on the proposed operation of the adult entertainment establishment and must give written notice by ordinary mail to the operator of the establishment of any hearings.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.3 \"Link to Subd. 3.\")\n\n## Subd. 3.Zoning; adult entertainment establishments.\n\nIf an adult entertainment establishment is located within 50 miles of a statutory or home rule charter city or town, the governing body of the city or the town board is not required to provide by zoning or otherwise for a location within the city or town limits in which an adult entertainment establishment may be located. If an adult entertainment establishment is located within 50 miles of the boundaries of a county, the county board is not required to provide by zoning or otherwise for a location within the county limits in which an adult entertainment establishment may be located.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.4 \"Link to Subd. 4.\")\n\n## Subd. 4.Proximity.\n\nAn adult entertainment establishment may not operate in the same building as, or within 1,500 feet from, another adult entertainment establishment; within 500 feet of residential property, regardless of how the property is zoned; or within 2,800 feet of a public or private elementary or secondary school or a church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship. Distances are measured between the closest property lines.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.5 \"Link to Subd. 5.\")\n\n## Subd. 5.Hours and days of operation.\n\nAn adult entertainment establishment located in a statutory or home rule city, town, or county that does not regulate hours of operation may not be open for business before 10:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and may not be open for business on a Sunday or legal holiday.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.6 \"Link to Subd. 6.\")\n\n## Subd. 6.Restrictions on ownership or management by persons convicted of certain crimes.\n\nA person who has been convicted of one of the following offenses may not operate or manage an adult business establishment for three years after discharge of the sentence for the offense, or a similar offense in another state or jurisdiction:\n\n(1) prostitution or sex trafficking under section 609.321; [609.322](/statutes/2025/cite/609.322); 609.324; or 609.3242;\n\n(2) criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451;\n\n(3) solicitation of children under section 609.352;\n\n(4) indecent exposure under section 617.23;\n\n(5) distribution or exhibition of obscene materials and performances under section 617.241;\n\n(6) use of a minor in a sexual performance under section 617.246; or\n\n(7) possession of pornographic work involving minors under section 617.247.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.7 \"Link to Subd. 7.\")\n\n## Subd. 7.Local regulation allowed.\n\nIf a county, town, or statutory or home rule charter city does not enact an ordinance or regulation governing adult entertainment establishments, this section applies in the county, town, or city. A county, town, or city may adopt an ordinance or regulation that is consistent with this section, that supersedes or is in whole or in part more restrictive than this section, or that provides that this section does not apply in the county, town, or city, and the county, town, or city ordinance applies. If a county, town, or city adopts an ordinance that only regulates a portion or facet of the operation of an adult entertainment establishment, this section applies to the remainder of the operation that is not regulated by the county, town, or city ordinance, unless the ordinance provides otherwise.”\n\nNote: Section 617.242 establishes comprehensive regulations for adult entertainment establishments, including location notice requirements, zoning exemptions, proximity restrictions, operating hours, ownership restrictions, and local regulatory authority.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.242",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Subd. 1.Definitions.\n\nFor purposes of this section:\n\n(1) \"adult entertainment establishment\" means a business that is open only to adults and that presents live performances that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the depiction of sexual conduct or nudity;\n\n(2) \"sexual conduct\" has the meaning given in section 617.241; and\n\n(3) nudity has the meaning given in section 617.292, subdivision 3.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Notice to local government unit.\n\nA person must not operate an adult entertainment establishment at a location where this type of establishment was not previously located unless, at least 60 days before submitting a permit application for operation of the establishment or, if a permit is not required, at least 60 days before beginning operation of the establishment, the person gives written notice by certified mail to the chief clerical officer of the statutory or home rule charter city in which it will be located of the date on which the person intends to begin operation of the establishment. If the adult entertainment establishment is proposed to be located outside the boundaries of a statutory or home rule charter city the notice must be given to the clerk of the town board and the county auditor of the county in which the establishment is proposed to be located. Upon receipt of the notice, the officer must acknowledge receipt of the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the person, and notify the governing body or town board of the receipt of the notice. The governing body or town board may conduct hearings on the proposed operation of the adult entertainment establishment and must give written notice by ordinary mail to the operator of the establishment of any hearings.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.3 \"Link to Subd. 3.\")\n\n## Subd. 3.Zoning; adult entertainment establishments.\n\nIf an adult entertainment establishment is located within 50 miles of a statutory or home rule charter city or town, the governing body of the city or the town board is not required to provide by zoning or otherwise for a location within the city or town limits in which an adult entertainment establishment may be located. If an adult entertainment establishment is located within 50 miles of the boundaries of a county, the county board is not required to provide by zoning or otherwise for a location within the county limits in which an adult entertainment establishment may be located.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.4 \"Link to Subd. 4.\")\n\n## Subd. 4.Proximity.\n\nAn adult entertainment establishment may not operate in the same building as, or within 1,500 feet from, another adult entertainment establishment; within 500 feet of residential property, regardless of how the property is zoned; or within 2,800 feet of a public or private elementary or secondary school or a church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship. Distances are measured between the closest property lines.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.5 \"Link to Subd. 5.\")\n\n## Subd. 5.Hours and days of operation.\n\nAn adult entertainment establishment located in a statutory or home rule city, town, or county that does not regulate hours of operation may not be open for business before 10:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and may not be open for business on a Sunday or legal holiday.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.6 \"Link to Subd. 6.\")\n\n## Subd. 6.Restrictions on ownership or management by persons convicted of certain crimes.\n\nA person who has been convicted of one of the following offenses may not operate or manage an adult business establishment for three years after discharge of the sentence for the offense, or a similar offense in another state or jurisdiction:\n\n(1) prostitution or sex trafficking under section 609.321; [609.322](/statutes/2025/cite/609.322); 609.324; or 609.3242;\n\n(2) criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451;\n\n(3) solicitation of children under section 609.352;\n\n(4) indecent exposure under section 617.23;\n\n(5) distribution or exhibition of obscene materials and performances under section 617.241;\n\n(6) use of a minor in a sexual performance under section 617.246; or\n\n(7) possession of pornographic work involving minors under section 617.247.\n\n[§](#stat.617.242.7 \"Link to Subd. 7.\")\n\n## Subd. 7.Local regulation allowed.\n\nIf a county, town, or statutory or home rule charter city does not enact an ordinance or regulation governing adult entertainment establishments, this section applies in the county, town, or city. A county, town, or city may adopt an ordinance or regulation that is consistent with this section, that supersedes or is in whole or in part more restrictive than this section, or that provides that this section does not apply in the county, town, or city, and the county, town, or city ordinance applies. If a county, town, or city adopts an ordinance that only regulates a portion or facet of the operation of an adult entertainment establishment, this section applies to the remainder of the operation that is not regulated by the county, town, or city ordinance, unless the ordinance provides otherwise.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.242 - Adult Entertainment Establishment Regulations",
      "topic": "regulations for adult entertainment businesses",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_296_penalties",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Enforcement mechanisms and penalties for obscenity violations",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.296 provides both criminal penalties (gross misdemeanor for most violations, misdemeanor for display violations) and civil enforcement mechanisms (temporary restraining orders and injunctions) for obscenity law violations.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.296 provides both criminal penalties (gross misdemeanor for most violations, misdemeanor for display violations) and civil enforcement mechanisms (temporary restraining orders and injunctions) for obscenity law violations.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Subdivision 1.Gross misdemeanor.\n\nExcept as otherwise provided in subdivision 1a, a violation of any provision of sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297) is a gross misdemeanor.\n\n[§](#stat.617.296.1a \"Link to Subd. 1a.\")\n\n## Subd. 1a.Penalty for display of harmful materials.\n\nA violation of section [617.293, subdivision 2](/statutes/2025/cite/617.293#stat.617.293.2), is a misdemeanor.\n\n[§](#stat.617.296.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Temporary restraining order or temporary injunction.\n\nWhenever any county attorney, or the attorney general of this state, has reasonable cause to believe that any person within this state is violating sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297), the prosecuting attorney may by verified petition seek a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction in the district court in the county in which the alleged violation occurred. No temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction shall be issued without a prior show cause notice of hearing to the respondents named in the petition, and an opportunity for the respondents to be heard. Personal service of the show cause order and of the petition made as in civil actions on the named respondents, or upon any of their employees or agents found within the state, shall constitute sufficient notice. Such show cause order for hearing may be returnable on the third day from the date of service as to a respondent who is present in this state, and on the fifth day as to a person not a resident or not found within this state.”\n\nNote: Section 617.296 establishes both criminal penalties for obscenity violations and civil enforcement mechanisms, allowing for temporary restraining orders and injunctions to be sought by county attorneys or the attorney general.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.296",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Subdivision 1.Gross misdemeanor.\n\nExcept as otherwise provided in subdivision 1a, a violation of any provision of sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297) is a gross misdemeanor.\n\n[§](#stat.617.296.1a \"Link to Subd. 1a.\")\n\n## Subd. 1a.Penalty for display of harmful materials.\n\nA violation of section [617.293, subdivision 2](/statutes/2025/cite/617.293#stat.617.293.2), is a misdemeanor.\n\n[§](#stat.617.296.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Temporary restraining order or temporary injunction.\n\nWhenever any county attorney, or the attorney general of this state, has reasonable cause to believe that any person within this state is violating sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297), the prosecuting attorney may by verified petition seek a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction in the district court in the county in which the alleged violation occurred. No temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction shall be issued without a prior show cause notice of hearing to the respondents named in the petition, and an opportunity for the respondents to be heard. Personal service of the show cause order and of the petition made as in civil actions on the named respondents, or upon any of their employees or agents found within the state, shall constitute sufficient notice. Such show cause order for hearing may be returnable on the third day from the date of service as to a respondent who is present in this state, and on the fifth day as to a person not a resident or not found within this state.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.296 - Civil Remedies and Penalties",
      "topic": "enforcement mechanisms and penalties for obscenity violations",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_245",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Civil remedies for exploitation of minors",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.245 provides for civil actions against persons who use minors in sexual performances, allowing for injunctions, damages, and attorney's fees in addition to criminal penalties.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.245 provides for civil actions against persons who use minors in sexual performances, allowing for injunctions, damages, and attorney's fees in addition to criminal penalties.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Any person who shall willfully and lewdly permit or allow any child or children under the age of 18 years to be used in any indecent or sexual exhibition, play, dance, or performance in any place of public accommodation, amusement, or resort, or any part thereof, shall be liable to a civil action brought by any parent, guardian, or other person having custody of such child or children, or by the county attorney, for an injunction to enjoin any further such acts or for a temporary injunction, and shall also be liable to such person or persons bringing such action for a reasonable attorney's fee as fixed by the court and all costs of suit, and the court shall order the defendant to pay the costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorney's fees, of the prevailing party, and the plaintiff may also have such other relief as the court may deem just and proper.”\n\nNote: Section 617.245 provides civil remedies in addition to criminal penalties for the use of minors in sexual performances, allowing parents, guardians, or the county attorney to seek injunctions, damages, and attorney's fees.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.245",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Any person who shall willfully and lewdly permit or allow any child or children under the age of 18 years to be used in any indecent or sexual exhibition, play, dance, or performance in any place of public accommodation, amusement, or resort, or any part thereof, shall be liable to a civil action brought by any parent, guardian, or other person having custody of such child or children, or by the county attorney, for an injunction to enjoin any further such acts or for a temporary injunction, and shall also be liable to such person or persons bringing such action for a reasonable attorney's fee as fixed by the court and all costs of suit, and the court shall order the defendant to pay the costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorney's fees, of the prevailing party, and the plaintiff may also have such other relief as the court may deem just and proper.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.245 - Civil Actions for Use of Minors in Sexual Performances",
      "topic": "civil remedies for exploitation of minors",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_246",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Prohibition on employing minors for sexual performances",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.246 prohibits using, offering, or employing any minor in sexual performances or trafficking minors for sexual performances, with separate criminal penalties for these offenses.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.246 prohibits using, offering, or employing any minor in sexual performances or trafficking minors for sexual performances, with separate criminal penalties for these offenses.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, or joint stock company to use, offer, or employ any minor in any sexual performance or to traffic in any minor for any sexual performance. For the purposes of this section, \"sexual performance\" means any performance or part thereof which includes sexual conduct as defined in section [617.241](/statutes/2025/cite/617.241).\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person to traffic in any minor for any sexual performance. For purposes of this section, \"traffic\" means to sell, deliver, transport, or otherwise furnish, or to offer or agree to do the same, but shall not include providing a minor with transportation for the purpose of removing the minor from a situation of commercial sexual exploitation.\n\n[§](#stat.617.246.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Penalties.\n\nAny person who violates subdivision 1 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Any person who violates subdivision 1 with intent to cause the minor to engage in a sexual performance is guilty of a felony.\n\n[§](#stat.617.246.3 \"Link to Subd. 3.\")\n\n## Subd. 3.Exemptions.\n\nThe provisions of subdivision 1 do not apply to: (1) licensed physicians, psychologists, or dentists acting in the course of their professional practice; (2) persons employed by recognized or established educational, medical, or psychiatric institutions for bona fide research or educational purposes; (3) persons employed by any recognized or established institution for the care of neglected or abused children; (4) persons who are parents or legal guardians of the minor; and (5) persons who are lawfully acting as guardians ad litem, conservators, or guardians of the person of the minor.”\n\nNote: Section 617.246 prohibits using minors in sexual performances and trafficking minors for sexual performances, with tiered penalties ranging from gross misdemeanor to felony based on intent, and includes specific exemptions for medical professionals, educational institutions, parents, and guardians.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.246",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, or joint stock company to use, offer, or employ any minor in any sexual performance or to traffic in any minor for any sexual performance. For the purposes of this section, \"sexual performance\" means any performance or part thereof which includes sexual conduct as defined in section [617.241](/statutes/2025/cite/617.241).\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person to traffic in any minor for any sexual performance. For purposes of this section, \"traffic\" means to sell, deliver, transport, or otherwise furnish, or to offer or agree to do the same, but shall not include providing a minor with transportation for the purpose of removing the minor from a situation of commercial sexual exploitation.\n\n[§](#stat.617.246.2 \"Link to Subd. 2.\")\n\n## Subd. 2.Penalties.\n\nAny person who violates subdivision 1 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Any person who violates subdivision 1 with intent to cause the minor to engage in a sexual performance is guilty of a felony.\n\n[§](#stat.617.246.3 \"Link to Subd. 3.\")\n\n## Subd. 3.Exemptions.\n\nThe provisions of subdivision 1 do not apply to: (1) licensed physicians, psychologists, or dentists acting in the course of their professional practice; (2) persons employed by recognized or established educational, medical, or psychiatric institutions for bona fide research or educational purposes; (3) persons employed by any recognized or established institution for the care of neglected or abused children; (4) persons who are parents or legal guardians of the minor; and (5) persons who are lawfully acting as guardians ad litem, conservators, or guardians of the person of the minor.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.246 - Use of Minors in Sexual Performance",
      "topic": "prohibition on employing minors for sexual performances",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_247",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Prohibition on possessing child sexual abuse material",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.247 prohibits possession, control, or attempt to traffic child sexual abuse material, with specific exemptions for law enforcement, medical treatment, and legitimate research purposes.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.247 prohibits possession, control, or attempt to traffic child sexual abuse material, with specific exemptions for law enforcement, medical treatment, and legitimate research purposes.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to possess, control, or attempt to traffic in any child sexual abuse material. For purposes of this section, \"child sexual abuse material\" means any visual depiction where the subject is an actual minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This section does not apply to:\n\n(1) law enforcement officers acting in the course of their official duties;\n\n(2) any person who possesses or controls child sexual abuse material for the purpose of reporting to law enforcement or for the purpose of providing such material to a therapist or medical professional for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, or education;\n\n(3) any person who is a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a minor and who possesses or controls such material belonging to the minor;\n\n(4) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of performing bona fide artistic, scientific, or educational activities;\n\n(5) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of conducting legitimate research; or\n\n(6) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of creating a work of political, artistic, or educational value.”\n\nNote: Section 617.247 prohibits possession and control of child sexual abuse material with specific exemptions for law enforcement, medical professionals, parents/guardians, and legitimate artistic, scientific, or educational activities.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.247",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to possess, control, or attempt to traffic in any child sexual abuse material. For purposes of this section, \"child sexual abuse material\" means any visual depiction where the subject is an actual minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This section does not apply to:\n\n(1) law enforcement officers acting in the course of their official duties;\n\n(2) any person who possesses or controls child sexual abuse material for the purpose of reporting to law enforcement or for the purpose of providing such material to a therapist or medical professional for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, or education;\n\n(3) any person who is a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a minor and who possesses or controls such material belonging to the minor;\n\n(4) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of performing bona fide artistic, scientific, or educational activities;\n\n(5) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of conducting legitimate research; or\n\n(6) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of creating a work of political, artistic, or educational value.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.247 - Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material",
      "topic": "prohibition on possessing child sexual abuse material",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_297",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Evidence admissibility for rating system compliance",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.297 allows compliance with motion picture rating system standards to be admitted as evidence in proceedings under Chapter 617, providing a safe harbor for producers who follow established rating guidelines.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.297 allows compliance with motion picture rating system standards to be admitted as evidence in proceedings under Chapter 617, providing a safe harbor for producers who follow established rating guidelines.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“In any proceeding pursuant to sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297), evidence that a motion picture was produced or presented in accordance with theMotion Picture Association of America, Inc. rating system or another rating system approved by the commissioner of public safety shall be admissible to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of those sections.”\n\nNote: Section 617.297 provides a evidentiary rule allowing compliance with established motion picture rating systems to be admitted as evidence of compliance with Minnesota's obscenity statutes, creating a safe harbor for producers who follow recognized rating guidelines.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.297",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "In any proceeding pursuant to sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297), evidence that a motion picture was produced or presented in accordance with theMotion Picture Association of America, Inc. rating system or another rating system approved by the commissioner of public safety shall be admissible to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of those sections.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.297 - Evidence of Motion Picture Rating System Compliance",
      "topic": "evidence admissibility for rating system compliance",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_242_exemptions",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Local government regulatory powers",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.242 grants local governments (counties, towns, cities) the authority to adopt ordinances that are consistent with, more restrictive than, or that exclude application of the state adult entertainment establishment regulations, while allowing the state law to apply to unregulated aspects.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.242 grants local governments (counties, towns, cities) the authority to adopt ordinances that are consistent with, more restrictive than, or that exclude application of the state adult entertainment establishment regulations, while allowing the state law to apply to unregulated aspects.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Subd. 7.Local regulation allowed.\n\nIf a county, town, or statutory or home rule charter city does not enact an ordinance or regulation governing adult entertainment establishments, this section applies in the county, town, or city. A county, town, or city may adopt an ordinance or regulation that is consistent with this section, that supersedes or is in whole or in part more restrictive than this section, or that provides that this section does not apply in the county, town, or city, and the county, town, or city ordinance applies. If a county, town, or city adopts an ordinance that only regulates a portion or facet of the operation of an adult entertainment establishment, this section applies to the remainder of the operation that is not regulated by the county, town, or city ordinance, unless the ordinance provides otherwise.”\n\nNote: Section 617.242, Subdivision 7 grants local governments significant regulatory authority over adult entertainment establishments, allowing them to adopt more restrictive ordinances or opt out of state regulation entirely, while maintaining state oversight for unregulated aspects.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.242",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Subd. 7.Local regulation allowed.\n\nIf a county, town, or statutory or home rule charter city does not enact an ordinance or regulation governing adult entertainment establishments, this section applies in the county, town, or city. A county, town, or city may adopt an ordinance or regulation that is consistent with this section, that supersedes or is in whole or in part more restrictive than this section, or that provides that this section does not apply in the county, town, or city, and the county, town, or city ordinance applies. If a county, town, or city adopts an ordinance that only regulates a portion or facet of the operation of an adult entertainment establishment, this section applies to the remainder of the operation that is not regulated by the county, town, or city ordinance, unless the ordinance provides otherwise.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.242 - Local Regulatory Authority",
      "topic": "local government regulatory powers",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_242_history",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Judicial history and legal challenges",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.242 has faced judicial challenges, including a preliminary injunction in the case Northshor Experience, Inc. v. City of Duluth, 442 F.Supp.2d 713 (D.Minn. 2006), demonstrating ongoing legal complexities in regulating adult entertainment establishments.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.242 has faced judicial challenges, including a preliminary injunction in the case Northshor Experience, Inc. v. City of Duluth, 442 F.Supp.2d 713 (D.Minn. 2006), demonstrating ongoing legal complexities in regulating adult entertainment establishments.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“NOTE: The enforcement of this section by the city of Duluth was preliminarily enjoined in *Northshor Experience, Inc. v. City of Duluth*, 442 F.Supp.2d 713 (D.Minn. 2006).”\n\nNote: Section 617.242, Subd. 7 includes a judicial note indicating that enforcement in Duluth was preliminarily enjoined in *Northshor Experience, Inc. v. City of Duluth*, demonstrating ongoing legal challenges and complexity in regulating adult entertainment establishments.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.242",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "NOTE: The enforcement of this section by the city of Duluth was preliminarily enjoined in *Northshor Experience, Inc. v. City of Duluth*, 442 F.Supp.2d 713 (D.Minn. 2006).",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.242 - Legislative History and Legal Precedent",
      "topic": "judicial history and legal challenges",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_297_safeguard",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.297 - Rating System Safe Harbor: producer compliance protections",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.297 provides a safe harbor for motion picture producers who comply with established rating system standards, allowing such compliance to be admitted as evidence of compliance with state obscenity statutes.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.297 provides a safe harbor for motion picture producers who comply with established rating system standards, allowing such compliance to be admitted as evidence of compliance with state obscenity statutes.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“In any proceeding pursuant to sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297), evidence that a motion picture was produced or presented in accordance with theMotion Picture Association of America, Inc. rating system or another rating system approved by the commissioner of public safety shall be admissible to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of those sections.”\n\nNote: Section 617.297 creates a safe harbor for motion picture producers who follow established rating system standards, providing evidentiary protection and reducing legal risk for compliant producers.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.297",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "In any proceeding pursuant to sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297), evidence that a motion picture was produced or presented in accordance with theMotion Picture Association of America, Inc. rating system or another rating system approved by the commissioner of public safety shall be admissible to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of those sections.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.297 - Rating System Safe Harbor",
      "topic": "producer compliance protections",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_295_exemptions",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Exemptions from criminal and civil liability",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.295 provides specific exemptions from criminal or civil action for recognized educational, medical, religious, and governmental institutions, as well as parents and theater employees without financial interest.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.295 provides specific exemptions from criminal or civil action for recognized educational, medical, religious, and governmental institutions, as well as parents and theater employees without financial interest.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“The following are exempt from criminal or other action hereunder:\n\n(1) recognized and established schools, churches, museums, medical clinics and physicians, hospitals, public libraries, governmental agencies or quasi governmental sponsored organizations, and persons acting in their capacity as employees or agents of such organization. For the purpose of this section \"recognized and established\" shall mean an organization or agency having a full time faculty and diversified curriculum in the case of a school; a church affiliated with a national or regional denomination; a licensed physician or psychiatrist or clinic of licensed physicians or psychiatrists; and in all other exempt organizations shall refer only to income tax exempted organizations which are supported in whole or in part by tax funds or which receive at least one-third of their support from publicly donated funds;\n\n(2) individuals in a parental relationship with the minor; and\n\n(3) motion picture machine operators, stagehands, or other theatre employees such as cashiers, doorkeepers, ushers, and concession employees, if such person or persons have no financial interest in the entertainment presented other than the salary or wage, or in any theatre or place where such employee has no financial interest when the employee's services are obtained solely for salary or wage; provided, that such employee is under the direct supervision of a theatre manager who is a resident of this state and who is not exempt from action under sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297).”\n\nNote: Section 617.295 provides specific legal exemptions from obscenity violations, including for recognized educational/religious institutions, medical professionals, parents, and theater employees without financial interest, balancing regulation with legitimate institutional protections.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.295",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "The following are exempt from criminal or other action hereunder:\n\n(1) recognized and established schools, churches, museums, medical clinics and physicians, hospitals, public libraries, governmental agencies or quasi governmental sponsored organizations, and persons acting in their capacity as employees or agents of such organization. For the purpose of this section \"recognized and established\" shall mean an organization or agency having a full time faculty and diversified curriculum in the case of a school; a church affiliated with a national or regional denomination; a licensed physician or psychiatrist or clinic of licensed physicians or psychiatrists; and in all other exempt organizations shall refer only to income tax exempted organizations which are supported in whole or in part by tax funds or which receive at least one-third of their support from publicly donated funds;\n\n(2) individuals in a parental relationship with the minor; and\n\n(3) motion picture machine operators, stagehands, or other theatre employees such as cashiers, doorkeepers, ushers, and concession employees, if such person or persons have no financial interest in the entertainment presented other than the salary or wage, or in any theatre or place where such employee has no financial interest when the employee's services are obtained solely for salary or wage; provided, that such employee is under the direct supervision of a theatre manager who is a resident of this state and who is not exempt from action under sections [617.291](/statutes/2025/cite/617.291) to [617.297](/statutes/2025/cite/617.297).",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.295 - Legal Exemptions from Obscenity Violations",
      "topic": "exemptions from criminal and civil liability",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_245_civil_remedies",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Civil remedies and liability for exploitation",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.245 provides comprehensive civil remedies including injunctions, attorney's fees, and costs for parents, guardians, or the county attorney to pursue against persons who willfully permit minors in indecent sexual exhibitions, with court discretion to award additional relief.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.245 provides comprehensive civil remedies including injunctions, attorney's fees, and costs for parents, guardians, or the county attorney to pursue against persons who willfully permit minors in indecent sexual exhibitions, with court discretion to award additional relief.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“Any person who shall willfully and lewdly permit or allow any child or children under the age of 18 years to be used in any indecent or sexual exhibition, play, dance, or performance in any place of public accommodation, amusement, or resort, or any part thereof, shall be liable to a civil action brought by any parent, guardian, or other person having custody of such child or children, or by the county attorney, for an injunction to enjoin any further such acts or for a temporary injunction, and shall also be liable to such person or persons bringing such action for a reasonable attorney's fee as fixed by the court and all costs of suit, and the court shall order the defendant to pay the costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorney's fees, of the prevailing party, and the plaintiff may also have such other relief as the court may deem just and proper.”\n\nNote: Section 617.245 establishes civil liability for exploitation of minors in sexual performances, providing comprehensive remedies including injunctive relief, attorney's fees, and costs, with court discretion for additional relief, enforceable by parents, guardians, or county attorneys.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.245",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "Any person who shall willfully and lewdly permit or allow any child or children under the age of 18 years to be used in any indecent or sexual exhibition, play, dance, or performance in any place of public accommodation, amusement, or resort, or any part thereof, shall be liable to a civil action brought by any parent, guardian, or other person having custody of such child or children, or by the county attorney, for an injunction to enjoin any further such acts or for a temporary injunction, and shall also be liable to such person or persons bringing such action for a reasonable attorney's fee as fixed by the court and all costs of suit, and the court shall order the defendant to pay the costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorney's fees, of the prevailing party, and the plaintiff may also have such other relief as the court may deem just and proper.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.245 - Civil Liability for Use of Minors in Sexual Performances",
      "topic": "civil remedies and liability for exploitation",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_247_exemptions",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Exemptions from child sexual abuse material prohibitions",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.247 prohibits possession of child sexual abuse material with narrow exemptions for law enforcement, medical treatment reporting, parents/guardians, and legitimate artistic, scientific, educational, or research activities.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.247 prohibits possession of child sexual abuse material with narrow exemptions for law enforcement, medical treatment reporting, parents/guardians, and legitimate artistic, scientific, educational, or research activities.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to possess, control, or attempt to traffic in any child sexual abuse material. For purposes of this section, \"child sexual abuse material\" means any visual depiction where the subject is an actual minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This section does not apply to:\n\n(1) law enforcement officers acting in the course of their official duties;\n\n(2) any person who possesses or controls child sexual abuse material for the purpose of reporting to law enforcement or for the purpose of providing such material to a therapist or medical professional for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, or education;\n\n(3) any person who is a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a minor and who possesses or controls such material belonging to the minor;\n\n(4) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of performing bona fide artistic, scientific, or educational activities;\n\n(5) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of conducting legitimate research; or\n\n(6) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of creating a work of political, artistic, or educational value.”\n\nNote: Section 617.247 provides narrow but important exemptions from child sexual abuse material prohibitions, including law enforcement duties, medical treatment reporting, parental custody rights, and legitimate artistic/scientific/educational/research activities.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.247",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to possess, control, or attempt to traffic in any child sexual abuse material. For purposes of this section, \"child sexual abuse material\" means any visual depiction where the subject is an actual minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This section does not apply to:\n\n(1) law enforcement officers acting in the course of their official duties;\n\n(2) any person who possesses or controls child sexual abuse material for the purpose of reporting to law enforcement or for the purpose of providing such material to a therapist or medical professional for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, or education;\n\n(3) any person who is a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a minor and who possesses or controls such material belonging to the minor;\n\n(4) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of performing bona fide artistic, scientific, or educational activities;\n\n(5) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of conducting legitimate research; or\n\n(6) any person who possesses or controls such material for the purpose of creating a work of political, artistic, or educational value.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.247 - Limited Exemptions from Child Sexual Abuse Material Prohibitions",
      "topic": "exemptions from child sexual abuse material prohibitions",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r657_minnesota_obscenity_and_distribution_minn_617_242_local_authority",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.242 - Local Government Regulatory Powers: municipal authority to regulate adult entertainment",
      "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Minnesota Statute 617.242 grants local governments significant regulatory authority over adult entertainment establishments, allowing them to adopt more restrictive ordinances, opt out of state regulation, or regulate specific aspects while maintaining state oversight for unregulated areas.",
      "body": "Minnesota Statute 617.242 grants local governments significant regulatory authority over adult entertainment establishments, allowing them to adopt more restrictive ordinances, opt out of state regulation, or regulate specific aspects while maintaining state oversight for unregulated areas.\n\nWhat Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes actually says:\n\n“If a county, town, or city adopts an ordinance that only regulates a portion or facet of the operation of an adult entertainment establishment, this section applies to the remainder of the operation that is not regulated by the county, town, or city ordinance, unless the ordinance provides otherwise.”\n\nNote: Section 617.242 establishes a clear hierarchy allowing local governments to impose additional regulations on adult entertainment establishments while maintaining state oversight for areas not specifically regulated locally, creating a flexible dual regulatory system.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/617.242",
      "last_verified": "2026-10-10",
      "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes",
      "evidence_quote": "If a county, town, or city adopts an ordinance that only regulates a portion or facet of the operation of an adult entertainment establishment, this section applies to the remainder of the operation that is not regulated by the county, town, or city ordinance, unless the ordinance provides otherwise.",
      "volatility": "",
      "from_batch": "657-minnesota-obscenity-and-distribution",
      "subject": "Minnesota Statute 617.242 - Local Government Regulatory Powers",
      "topic": "municipal authority to regulate adult entertainment",
      "applies_to_country": "us-mn",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us-mn"
        ],
        "platform": "any",
        "topic": [
          "unclassified"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      },
      "verification": {
        "status": "unverified",
        "label": "Unverified - being checked",
        "reasons": [
          "legal_fetch_over_cap"
        ],
        "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z"
      }
    }
  ]
}