Create the Department of Firearm Control

 

The purpose of this legislation is to establish a cabinet-level Department of Firearm Control in the State of Minnesota,

dedicated to the prevention and reduction of gun violence.

This department will serve as the central authority for coordinating, funding, and evaluating firearm harm reduction

strategies across the state. By combining fragmented and inconsistent efforts into a unified, accountable structure.

Minnesota will be better equipped to implement evidence-based programs, respond to emerging threats, and ensure that all

communities urban and rural alike benefit from consistent, data-informed public safety initiatives.

The department will prioritize collaboration with local governments, educators, law enforcement, and community leaders

to ensure that solutions are inclusive and sustainable.

 

 

Gun violence is a public health crisis that affects Minnesotans across all aspects. From school shootings to domestic

violence, from urban gunfire to rural suicides, the consequences are devastating and far-reaching. Yet Minnesota’s

current approach to gun violence prevention is decentralized and underfunded. Programs vary widely by region, and no

single entity is responsible for setting statewide standards or measuring outcomes.

This legislation addresses that gap by creating a dedicated Department of Firearm Control with the authority and

resources to lead a coordinated response. It ensures that prevention efforts are not only evidence-based but also

community-informed, tailored to the specific needs of Minnesota’s diverse populations. The bill also creates a dedicated

and sustainable revenue stream that does not rely on general taxpayer funds. This approach balances fiscal

responsibility with moral urgency.

By passing this legislation, Minnesota affirms its commitment to protecting lives, supporting communities, and leading

the nation in proactive, data-driven public safety policy.

 

 

“Gun violence” shall be defined as any injury, death, or threat of harm involving a firearm in public or private spaces

across Minnesota, including but not limited to:

Schools, Places of worship, Community centers, Urban and rural neighborhoods.

“Evidence-based programs” are research efforts focused on developing prevention strategies grounded in the state’s

public health and law enforcement data.

 

 

The Department of Public Safety shall be funded through a combination of sources, including:

$4 million is from Federal grants such as the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP), funded by the Bipartisan

Safer Communities Act, which supports gun violence reduction strategies including extreme risk protection orders and

crisis intervention initiatives. To combine the funding for the programs that are going to be in control of the

Department.

Additional appropriations from Minnesota’s public safety budget.

The total funding, added up, should come to 10 million. This number is derived from the MN Budgeting for the 2024-25

Fiscal Year for the funding disclosures.

 

Any agency, organization, or partner receiving funds under this legislation must use them solely for approved firearm

harm reduction efforts. Misuse of funds, failure to comply with reporting requirements, or refusal to participate in

audits will result in fines up to $500,000 and disqualification from future funding. The Department of Firearm Control

shall oversee enforcement and conduct annual compliance reviews.

 

This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.