Requirement that loaded firearms be stored in locations where persons prohibited from possessing firearms cannot access the firearms

A bill for an act

relating to public safety; requiring loaded firearms be stored in locations where

persons prohibited from possessing firearms cannot access the firearms; amending

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.666, subdivisions 1, 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.666, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following words have the

meanings given.

(a) "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.

(b) "Child" means a person under the age of 18 years.

(c) "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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.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.666, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Access to firearms.

A person 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
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or a person prohibited from possessing firearms under section 624.713,

subdivision 1,
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is likely to gain access, unless reasonable action is taken to secure the firearm

against access by the child
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or the person prohibited from possessing firearms
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.