Strengthen Firearm Safety and Responsible Ownership in Minnesota

 

The purpose of this bill is to increase public safety by requiring universal background checks for all firearm sales in

Minnesota, mandating safe storage of firearms in households with minors, and establishing a voluntary temporary firearm

transfer option for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

 

 

Gun violence and accidental shootings continue to impact communities across Minnesota. Each year, preventable incidents

occur due to unsecured firearms, lack of background checks in private sales, and situations in which individuals

experiencing mental health crises have access to firearms.

Studies show that universal background checks reduce illegal firearm trafficking, and safe storage laws significantly

reduce accidental shootings, especially among children. Minnesota currently requires background checks only for

federally licensed dealers, leaving private sales unregulated in practice. This bill closes that gap to ensure

consistent firearm safety across the state.

Additionally, research indicates that temporary transfer laws (“red flag”-style options) help prevent suicides and

self-harm by allowing individuals or families to voluntarily store firearms safely during emotional or psychological

crises.

This bill will help protect children, reduce unauthorized firearm access, and empower families to take proactive steps

toward maintaining safety in difficult circumstances.

 

 

Firearm: Any device designed to expel a projectile by means of explosive force.

Universal Background Check: A background check conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System

(NICS) or an equivalent state-approved system, required for all firearm transfers.

Private Sale: A firearm sale or transfer between individuals who are not federally licensed firearm dealers.

Safe Storage: A firearm stored unloaded and either locked in a gun safe, secured with a trigger lock, or placed in

another tamper-resistant locked container.

Temporary Transfer: A voluntary, time-limited transfer of firearms to law enforcement or a licensed gun dealer during a

mental health or emotional crisis.

 

There is no additional funding required for this bill. Background checks will use existing state and federal systems.

Safe storage devices will be purchased by gun owners.

 

1. Failure to perform a background check on a private sale may result in:

• A civil fine of up to $750 for the first offense.

• Up to $1,500 for repeated offenses.

2. Failure to follow safe storage requirements that results in a minor accessing a firearm:

• $500 civil fine for unsecured access.

• Up to $2,000 if the minor discharges the firearm, even without injury.

3. No criminal penalties shall apply unless additional state or federal laws are violated.

 

 

This bill will take effect on January 1st, 2026.

(This bill cannot be retroactively imposed on firearm purchases or transfers completed before this date.)