SF 4911

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/19/2024 09:35am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; establishing an office of gun violence prevention in the
Department of Public Safety; requiring a report; appropriating money; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 299A.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [299A.96] OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish and maintain an office
dedicated to preventing gun violence within the Office of Justice Programs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Director; staff. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must appoint a director who is highly
knowledgeable about issues related to gun violence.
new text end

new text begin (b) The director may select, appoint, and compensate out of available funds assistants
and employees as necessary to discharge the office's responsibilities.
new text end

new text begin (c) The director and full-time staff shall be members of the Minnesota State Retirement
System.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The office has the following duties:
new text end

new text begin (1) coordinate and promote effective efforts to reduce gun violence and related traumas;
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new text begin (2) coordinate, promote, and conduct research regarding causes of, and evidence-based
responses to gun violence;
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new text begin (3) collect and report data on the number of gun-related incidents and deaths in Minnesota;
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new text begin (4) coordinate with the Department of Health to create public health campaigns on the
effects of, and reducing gun violence;
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new text begin (5) support and provide resources for victims of gun violence;
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new text begin (6) build partnerships with local, state, and national experts, agencies, and stakeholders
working to reduce gun violence; and
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new text begin (7) serve as a resource to the legislature on gun violence prevention legislation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin The office may apply for and receive grants from public and private
entities for purposes of carrying out the office's duties under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Coordination with other organizations. new text end

new text begin In fulfilling its duties the office may
coordinate with stakeholder groups and state agencies that are invested in reducing gun
violence. These groups and agencies include but are not limited to the following entities:
new text end

new text begin (1) the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association;
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new text begin (2) the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association;
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new text begin (3) the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension;
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new text begin (4) the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association;
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new text begin (5) Tribal Law Enforcement agencies;
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new text begin (6) the Minnesota County Attorneys Association;
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new text begin (7) the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota;
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new text begin (8) State agencies, including the Departments of Health, Human Services, and Public
Safety;
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new text begin (9) Everytown for Gun Safety;
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new text begin (10) Moms Demand Action;
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new text begin (11) Protect Minnesota; and
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new text begin (12) Giffords.
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new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Annual report. new text end

new text begin By February 15 of each year, the office must submit a report
to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary
jurisdiction over public safety policy and funding detailing the activities of the office for
the preceding year.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
public safety to implement this act.
new text end