Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 12, 2026

HF 3744: Law enforcement prohibited from using tear gas, chemical weapons, and kinetic energy munitions.

HF 3744 prohibits Minnesota law enforcement officers and agencies from using tear gas, chemical weapons, and kinetic energy munitions (like rubber bullets) on civilian populations. It directly affects all state and local police departments, requiring them to stop using these tools in public safety operations. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies develop written policies by January 15, 2027, based on a model policy created by the state board by November 15, 2026. This law updates existing statutes to ban these specific crowd-control methods while allowing limited use by the National Guard for official duties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBans tear gas/kinetic weapons for police, enhancing accountability and protecting civilians - direct criminal justice reform aligned with indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement Policing

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died · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 3929: Chiefs of police and sheriffs authorization to open certain expunged records to determine eligibility to purchase, receive, or carry a firearm

This bill allows Minnesota chiefs of police and sheriffs to access certain expunged criminal records (from 2015 onward) to check if someone is eligible to buy, receive, or carry a firearm. It specifically permits this limited access without a court order for firearm background checks, while maintaining other expungement protections. The law requires law enforcement to securely handle these records if not used for denial, and to notify applicants if an expunged record leads to a firearm denial, providing the specific factual basis. It directly affects individuals with expunged records seeking firearms and law enforcement conducting background checks.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables law enforcement to access expunged records for firearm background checks, enhancing public safety within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SF 3681: Semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazine prohibition and criminal penalties provision

Minnesota's SF 3681 would ban the possession of specific semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (like AR-15s, AK-47s, and similar models) and large-capacity ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds. It defines prohibited weapons by listing specific models and features, including firearms with folding stocks, pistol grips, or magazine capacities exceeding 10 rounds. The bill directly affects residents who currently own these banned firearms or magazines, requiring them to comply with the prohibition. Violations would incur criminal penalties under amended Minnesota statutes, though the exact penalties aren't detailed in the provided text.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines to reduce gun violence, directly advancing public safety within criminal justice reform framework.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime

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in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 26, 2026

HF 3433: Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons banned, and criminal penalties provided.

HF 3433 bans the possession of specific semiautomatic firearms designated as "military-style assault weapons," including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and weapons with features such as folding stocks or pistol grips. The bill defines banned weapons to cover both listed models (e.g., Colt AR-15) and similar firearms with minor modifications like enhanced magazines or barrel attachments. It amends Minnesota statutes to impose criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for violating the possession ban. This law directly affects individuals who own these specific firearms, requiring them to comply with the new restrictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBans assault weapons to reduce gun violence, enhancing public safety within criminal justice framework as per bill's focus on firearms regulation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SF 3561: Reporting requirement on accidental discharges of firearms by peace officers

SF 3561 requires Minnesota peace officer departments to report all firearm discharges during duty (except training or animal control) to the Commissioner of Public Safety within 30 days. For accidental or negligent discharges, departments must include specific details about the firearm (make, model, caliber) and accessories (like lights or holsters), noting if they were factory or aftermarket. The Commissioner must then forward these reports to the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training and submit an annual summary to the legislature by November 15 each even-numbered year. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and aims to increase transparency around firearm use by officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires detailed reporting of officer firearm discharges to enhance accountability and oversight, directly supporting criminal justice reform through improved law enforcement transparency.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Minnesota · House May 12, 2026

HF 3658: Processes for applying for, securing, and enforcing extreme risk protection orders modified.

HF 3658 modifies Minnesota's process for extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which are temporary court orders preventing individuals deemed a threat from accessing firearms. The bill expands who can file petitions - including law enforcement agencies, family/household members, and guardians - while clarifying definitions of "family or household members" and requiring specific evidence in petitions. Key changes include waiving court filing fees, mandating mental health professionals to report firearm-related suicide risks to law enforcement, and requiring courts to notify law enforcement and update background checks within 24 hours of issuing an order. These changes aim to streamline access to ERPOs for at-risk individuals and improve enforcement coordination.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands ERPO access to prevent gun violence, promoting criminal justice reform through preventive safety measures and reducing firearm-related harm.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 12, 2026

HF 3617: Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons banned, and criminal penalties provided.

HF 3617 bans the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota, including specific firearms like AR-15 rifles and AK-47s, as well as weapons with features such as folding stocks, pistol grips, or detachable magazines. The bill defines these weapons broadly to cover both listed models and similar firearms with minor modifications, such as redesigned versions or enhanced features. Possessing a banned weapon would be a criminal offense under amended statutes, with penalties established for violations. This law directly affects individuals who own or possess these firearms, making such possession illegal under state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill bans assault weapons to enhance public safety, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing gun violence and improving community safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime

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in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 16, 2026

HF 3350: Lifetime firearms ban on persons who are convicted of certain misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor domestic assault offenses established.

HF 3350 establishes a lifetime ban on firearm possession for individuals convicted of misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor domestic assault offenses in Minnesota. This law directly affects people convicted of these specific domestic violence crimes by permanently prohibiting them from owning, buying, or possessing firearms. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add this ban as a standard consequence of such convictions, replacing any prior provisions that might have allowed firearm access after sentencing. It creates a concrete policy change that restricts firearm access for this group for life, without exceptions for future conduct.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeLifetime firearms ban for domestic assault convicts enhances public safety and aligns with criminal justice reform to prevent repeat offenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SF 3905: Availability extension of funds appropriated for law enforcement use of force training

SF 3905 extends the deadline for using $250,000 in state funds allocated for law enforcement use-of-force training. The bill modifies existing law to allow these funds to remain available until June 30, 2027, instead of an earlier expiration date. This funding reimburses postsecondary schools $450 per peace officer who completes approved training programs, which must include scenario-based exercises with nonlethal ammunition, stress management, de-escalation techniques, and bias training. The training must be offered at no cost to officers or agencies and meet specific standards set by Minnesota law. This change directly affects eligible colleges and training programs serving peace officers across the state.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds de-escalation, bias, and scenario-based use-of-force training for law enforcement, directly promoting accountability and reform in criminal justice practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SF 3825: Requirement that loaded firearms be stored in locations where persons prohibited from possessing firearms cannot access the firearms

SF 3825 amends Minnesota law to require gun owners to store loaded firearms in locations where children *and* individuals prohibited from owning firearms (such as those with certain criminal records under section 624.713) cannot access them. The bill expands existing storage rules - previously focused only on children - to explicitly include prohibited persons, making it a gross misdemeanor to negligently leave a loaded firearm accessible to either group without proper security. Key provisions clarify that "loaded" includes firearms with ammunition in the chamber or magazine, and define the penalty for failure to secure firearms against access. This directly affects gun owners in households with children or individuals legally barred from firearm possession. The bill is currently in committee review after introduction on February 23, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill prevents prohibited persons (including those with criminal records) from accessing loaded firearms, enhancing public safety and reducing gun violence risk per criminal justice reform indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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