SF 4837
Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)
Posted on 03/26/2026 09:24 a.m.
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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.
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[65A.60] FIREARM LIABILITY INSURANCE.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Definitions. new text end
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(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
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(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.
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(c) "Insured" means an insured under a plan of firearm liability insurance.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Firearm liability insurance. new text end
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(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.
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(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.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin Existing ownership. new text end
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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.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end
new text begin Minimum coverage. new text end
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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.
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new text begin Subd. 5. new text end
new text begin Completion of safety training. new text end
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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.
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new text begin Subd. 6. new text end
new text begin Criminal penalties. new text end
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(a) A person who violates this section by failing to obtain
or maintain insurance required under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
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(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.
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new text begin Subd. 7. new text end
new text begin Exception. new text end
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This section does not apply to law enforcement and active duty
military personnel while acting in the course of official duties.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end
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This section is effective January 1, 2027.
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Sec. 2.
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[297I.12] FIREARM LIABILITY INSURANCE SURCHARGE.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Surcharge. new text end
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(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.
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(b) The surcharge amount collected under paragraph (a):
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(1) may not be considered premium for any other purpose; and
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(2) must be separately stated on either a billing or policy declaration or document
containing similar information sent to an insured.
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(c) Amounts collected by the commissioner under this section must be deposited in the
gun harm reduction account established under subdivision 2.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Gun harm reduction account. new text end
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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.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end
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This section is effective January 1, 2027.
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