Plain English Breakdown
The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.
HF4820 • 2026
Individuals who own firearms required to obtain and maintain liability insurance required, criminal penalties imposed, and firearm liability insurance surcharge imposed.
Individuals who own firearms required to obtain and maintain liability insurance required, criminal penalties imposed, and firearm liability insurance surcharge imposed.
Firearms
Passed Legislature
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Bill History
-
2026-04-07
House
Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
Official Summary Text
Individuals who own firearms required to obtain and maintain liability insurance required, criminal penalties imposed, and firearm liability insurance surcharge imposed.
Current Bill Text
Read the full stored bill text
A bill for an act relating to commerce; imposing criminal penalties; requiring individuals who own firearms to obtain and maintain liability insurance; imposing a firearm liability insurance surcharge; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 65A; 297I. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: Section 1. new text begin [65A.60] FIREARM LIABILITY INSURANCE. new text end new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Definitions. new text end new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given. new text end new text begin (b) "Firearm" means an instrument designed for attack or defense that expels a projectile by the action or force of gunpowder, combustion, or some other explosive force. new text end new text begin (c) "Insured" means an insured under a plan of firearm liability insurance. new text end new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Firearm liability insurance. new text end new text begin (a) An individual who owns a firearm must obtain, and during ownership continuously maintain, a policy of liability insurance specifically covering any damages resulting from negligent or accidental discharge of a firearm resulting in death, injury, or property damage. new text end new text begin (b) Under firearm liability insurance, the insurer must be liable to pay, on behalf of the insured, sums that the insured is legally obligated to pay as damages resulting from negligent or accidental discharge of a firearm resulting in death, injury, or property damage. new text end new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Existing ownership. new text end new text begin An individual who owns a firearm on the effective date of this section must obtain the insurance required under this section by February 15, 2027. new text end new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Minimum coverage. new text end new text begin Each plan of firearm liability insurance must contain stated limits of liability, exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to each firearm for which coverage is granted, of not less than $250,000 per occurrence. new text end new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Completion of safety training. new text end new text begin Policies may require or offer premium discounts for the completion of certified safety training; use of firearm safes, firearm locks, or chamber load indicators; or other recognized safety measures. new text end new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Criminal penalties. new text end new text begin (a) A person who violates this section by failing to obtain or maintain insurance required under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. new text end new text begin (b) A person who violates paragraph (a) a second or subsequent time is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. The court must impose a fine of not less than $1,000 if the person has been previously convicted under this section two or more times. new text end new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Exception. new text end new text begin This section does not apply to law enforcement and active duty military personnel while acting in the course of official duties. new text end new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027. new text end Sec. 2. new text begin [297I.12] FIREARM LIABILITY INSURANCE SURCHARGE. new text end new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Surcharge. new text end new text begin (a) Each licensed insurer engaged in writing policies of firearm liability insurance, as required under section 65A.60, must collect a surcharge as provided in this section. The surcharge is equal to ..... percent of the gross premiums and assessments, less return premiums, on direct business received by the company, or by its agents for it, for firearm liability insurance policies in this state. new text end new text begin (b) The surcharge amount collected under paragraph (a): new text end new text begin (1) may not be considered premium for any other purpose; and new text end new text begin (2) must be separately stated on either a billing or policy declaration or document containing similar information sent to an insured. new text end new text begin (c) Amounts collected by the commissioner under this section must be deposited in the gun harm reduction account established under subdivision 2. new text end new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Gun harm reduction account. new text end new text begin The gun harm reduction account is established in the special revenue fund. The account consists of the proceeds of the surcharge imposed under subdivision 1. new text end new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027. new text end