SF 4294 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Uniform procedure establishment for imposition, implementation, and oversight of firearms restrictions resulting from certain criminal convictions and judicial orders

This bill establishes a uniform process for handling firearm restrictions when individuals are subject to certain criminal convictions or judicial orders in Minnesota. It directly affects courts, law enforcement agencies, and individuals involved in domestic child abuse cases by standardizing how firearm prohibitions are imposed and monitored. Key provisions require courts to order abusing parties to transfer firearms to licensed dealers or law enforcement when issuing protection orders, mandate specific forms for child protection petitions that include firearm descriptions, and set clear timelines for firearm transfers. The legislation also clarifies that courts cannot dismiss child protection petitions simply because firearm information is missing, ensuring these safety measures are consistently applied across the state.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 9, 2026 Last action Apr 28, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction → 1st Engrossment · 7 edits · Apr 7, 2026

MODERATE

This bill revision updates the legislative title and effective dates, then significantly refines firearm transfer procedures for individuals subject to protective orders or convicted of domestic violence. The changes streamline the surrender process by clarifying that permits must be surrendered to the court or the specific law enforcement officer who issued them, rather than just the court. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for third-party firearm transfers, mandating that they occur at a law enforcement facility under supervision or video surveillance, and expands immunity protections for law enforcement agencies storing seized weapons.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on public safety and firearm restrictions for individuals with criminal convictions or protective orders, but the applicability of specific transfer rules has been tightened to ensure safer handling of weapons during the surrender process.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the deadline for transferring firearms from 24 hours to 'as soon as reasonably practicable' with a court-imposed deadline to account for custody and location issues.

Mandated that transfers to third parties must happen at a law enforcement facility under supervision or video surveillance with 24-hour notice.

Changed permit surrender procedures to require declaration of surrender to the issuing officer if the court does not take immediate possession.

Required law enforcement agencies to establish policies for disposing of abandoned firearms after 60 days of unpaid storage fees.

DEFINITION

Added a specific definition for 'local law enforcement agency' to clarify jurisdiction.

ENFORCEMENT

Granted law enforcement agencies immunity from civil or criminal liability for damage to stored firearms unless caused by recklessness or intentional misconduct.

TIMELINE

Extended the deadline for paying storage fees for temporary firearm transfers from immediate to 60 days.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

Comm report: To pass as amended

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Committee

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Introduced

Introduction and first reading

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor