This bill aims to enhance public safety by instituting a lifetime firearms ban for individuals convicted of specific misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor domestic assault offenses. It amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify that those convicted of violating an order for protection or those whose offenses qualify as a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence will face a lifetime prohibition on firearm possession. The court is required to inform defendants of this prohibition at the time of their conviction, and the failure to provide this information does not affect the applicability of the ban. Firearms restrictions will only expire if the individual receives an expungement or pardon for the offense, unless the pardon explicitly states otherwise.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the forfeiture of firearms used during domestic assaults and mandates that individuals convicted of domestic assault against a family or household member must transfer their firearms to a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency. It clarifies the process for firearm transfers and the responsibilities of third parties for temporary storage. The bill also expands the list of individuals prohibited from possessing firearms, establishing a lifetime ban for those who have used a firearm during an assault against a family or household member or have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Importantly, it specifies that participation in a medical cannabis program does not disqualify individuals from firearm possession and that certain prohibitions do not apply retroactively to individuals already prohibited before August 1, 1994.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 518B.01, 609.2242, 624.713