Reduce Firearm-Related Deaths

 

To reduce preventable gun deaths while protecting the Second Amendment.

 

Firearm violence is a preventable public safety issue that has led to the death of 525 Minnesotans in 2023 alone. Deaths

like these are preventable. In 2024, Minnesota ranked 8th in the US for the fewest gun deaths, with only 8.9 gun deaths

per 100,000 people; this is a low number but nowhere near the 3.7 per 100,000 of Massachusetts or 4.6 of New Jersey and

New York. These states have further gun laws without infringing on the Second Amendment. This act balances the Second

Amendment with measures that increase accountability and safety for gun owners, children, and the public.

 

 

(a) Firearm — a weapon which can expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; includes pistols, rifles, and

shotguns, but excludes airguns, antique firearms, or inoperable weapons.

(b) Dealer — a person licensed to engage in the business of selling firearms.

(c) Transfer — the sale, gift, loan, or any other change of possession of a firearm.

(d) Licensee — a person holding a valid firearm possession license under this chapter.

 

 

Any necessary funding would be provided by:

(a) Licence Fee: small license fee ($100)

(b) Fines: collected from violations of this act

(c) Tax: a firearm tax

 

 

(1) Licences

(a) License Requirement: All firearm owners must hold a valid firearm license to purchase, possess, or carry a firearm.

(b) Licence Prerequisites: Applicants must:

(i) Pass a universal background check.

(ii) Complete a state firearm safety and storage course

(iii) Be at least 18 years old for long guns, and 21 for handguns.

(iv) Not be prohibited under federal law (felony conviction, domestic violence, adjudicated mental incompetency, or

other disqualifiers).

The penalty for unlicensed gun ownership on first offense is a misdemeanor; repeated or egregious violations may be

felonies and grounds for license denial or revocation.

(2) Universal Background Checks

All firearm sales or transfers, including but not limited to: private sales, gifts, loans, transfers, shows or online

arranged sales, must be conducted through a licensed dealer or an authorized transfer mechanism and are subject to both

federal and state background checks prior to transfer of possession. Unlawful transfer would result in fines up to

$5,000, mandatory remedial measures, and license suspension for dealers or individuals who intentionally circumvent

transfer requirements.

(3) Safe Storage and Child Access Prevention

(a) Firearms must be stored with a locking device (e.g., trigger lock, cable lock) or in a secure safe or similar locked

container when not under direct control of a licensee. The penalty for failing to do so would be fines up to $1,000,

mandatory remedial safety training, and potential license suspension or revocation; if resulting harm occurs, criminal

charges as allowed by existing law.

(b) Owners must report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery. The penalty for failing

to do so would be civil fines up to $500 and possible license suspension.

(4) Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Red Flag Law)

A court may issue a temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) to remove or prohibit access to firearms where

evidence shows a person poses a significant danger to themselves or others. Petitions may be filed by law enforcement or

immediate family members. Procedures, duration, and appeal rights shall be implemented consistent with constitutional

protections.

 

 

1/1/2027