This bill aims to enhance public safety by establishing requirements for the safe storage of firearms and ammunition in Minnesota. It mandates that firearm owners must take reasonable actions to secure their firearms when not in use, which includes storing them unloaded with a locking device and separately from ammunition. Additionally, the bill requires that any transfer of a firearm must include an appropriate locking device unless the transferee can prove ownership of one. Violations of these storage requirements can result in varying degrees of criminal penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances, such as if a child gains access to an unsecured firearm.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding firearm possession eligibility by including violations of the new safe storage statute as grounds for ineligibility to possess a firearm. It repeals the previous statute on negligent storage of firearms, Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 609.666, and introduces a new statute, Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 624.7163, which outlines the updated storage requirements and penalties. The revisor of statutes is instructed to update any cross-references to reflect this change.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.666
1st Engrossment: 624.713, 609.666
1st Engrossment: 624.713, 609.666