Safe storage standards for firearms established, criminal penalties for failing to meet those standards established, and money appropriated.

A bill for an act

relating to firearms; establishing standards for the safe storage of firearms and

criminal penalties for failing to meet those standards; appropriating money;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.666.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.666, is amended to read:

609.666
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NEGLIGENT
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SAFE AND SECURE
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STORAGE OF FIREARMS.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

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(a)
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For purposes of this section, the following words have

the meanings given.

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(a)
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(b)
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"Firearm" means a device designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled

a projectile by the force of any explosion or force of combustion.
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The term does not include

firearms that are inoperable.
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(b)
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(c) "Authorized user" means a person who is eligible under state and federal law to

possess a firearm and to whom the owner of a firearm has expressly granted permission to

use the firearm.
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(d)
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"Child" means a person under the age of 18 years.

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(c)

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(e) "Firearm storage unit" means a secure, tamper-resistant container that is only

accessible to the owner or authorized users of the firearm or firearms stored in the container.

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(f) "Gun room" means an area within a building enclosed by walls, a floor, and a ceiling,

including a closet, that has all entrances secured by a tamper-resistant lock, that is kept

locked at all times when unoccupied, and that is used exclusively for: (1) the storage of

firearms, ammunition, components of firearms or ammunition, or equipment for

firearm-related activities including but not limited to reloading ammunition, gunsmithing,

and firearm cleaning and maintenance; or (2) conducting firearm-related activities, including

but not limited to reloading ammunition, gunsmithing, and firearm cleaning and maintenance.

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(g)
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"Loaded" means the firearm has ammunition in the chamber or magazine, if the

magazine is in the firearm
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, unless the firearm is incapable of being fired by a child who is

likely to gain access to the firearm
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.

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(h) "Locking device" means a feature of a firearm or an external device that renders the

firearm inaccessible or inoperable, or both, to children and unauthorized users. Locking

device includes but is not limited to the following: a biometric lock; a trigger lock; a barrel

lock; or a cylinder lock.

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Subd. 2.

Access to firearms.

A person
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is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who negligently

stores or leaves a loaded firearm in a location where the person knows, or reasonably should

know, that a child is likely to gain access, unless reasonable action is taken to secure the

firearm against access by the child
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may not store, keep, or leave a firearm in any place

unless the firearm is: (1) unloaded and equipped with a locking device; or (2) loaded or

unloaded in a locked firearm storage unit or a locked gun room. A firearm is not considered

stored, kept, or left under this subdivision during the period that it is under the direct physical

control or reach of the person. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of an offense

and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 2a
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.

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Subd. 2a.

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Penalties.

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(a) A person who violates subdivision 2 is guilty of a petty

misdemeanor.

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(b) A person who violates subdivision 2 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if a child is

present in the area where the firearm is stored, kept, or left.

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(c) A person who violates subdivision 2 is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to

three years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both, if a loaded unsecured firearm is

accessed by a child or a person prohibited from possessing firearms under section 624.713,

subdivision 1.

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(d) A person who violates subdivision 2 is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to

five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000, or both, if an unsecured firearm is used in a

felony crime of violence or to inflict substantial or great bodily harm on, or to cause the

death of, someone other than the owner or authorized user of the firearm.

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Subd. 3.

Limitations.

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Subdivision
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Subdivisions
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2
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does
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and 2a do
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not apply to
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a child's

access to
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firearms
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that was obtained as a result of an unlawful entry.
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:
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(1) in a motor vehicle while being transported in compliance with the requirements of

section 97B.045, subdivision 1, clause (1), (2), or (3);

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(2) in a motor vehicle while being transported under the exceptions described in section

97B.045, subdivision 2 or 3;

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(3) being used at a shooting sport event controlled by the Minnesota State High School

League, including but not limited to the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League;

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(4) being used for sports shooting at an area or facility designated or operated primarily

for the use of firearms or shooting preserves as described in section 97A.115;

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(5) being used at a lawfully organized educational or instructional course on firearm

safety or the safe use of firearms pursuant to section 97B.015 or 624.714, subdivision 2a;

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(6) being used for hunting in compliance with the requirements of chapter 97B;

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(7) owned or possessed by a peace officer as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1,

paragraph (c), while the officer is engaged in the performance of official duties; or

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(8) stored in a police or sheriff station.

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EFFECTIVE DATE.

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This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes

committed on or after that date.

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Sec. 2.
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DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS; APPROPRIATION.
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$10,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner

of corrections for costs associated with this act. The base for this appropriation is $19,000

beginning in fiscal year 2028.

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