HF4699

Purpose

• To strengthen penalties for unlawful possession of firearms by people who have been convicted of a crime of violence, with the goal of improving public safety.

Main Provisions

• The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.165 subdivision 1b to state that any person who has been convicted of a crime of violence (as defined in 624.712 subdivision 5) and who ships, transports, possesses, or receives a firearm or ammunition commits a felony.
• The felony carries a potential sentence of imprisonment not more than 15 or 20 years, or a fine of up to $30,000, or both.
• A conviction and sentencing under this section is to bar a conviction and sentencing under section 624.713 subdivision 2 for the same conduct (i.e., no double punishment for the same act).
• The criminal penalty does not apply to a person who has received a relief of disability under 18 U.S.C. § 925 or whose ability to possess firearms and ammunition has been restored under subdivision 1d.
• The bill also references related changes to sections 624.713 and 624.7141, indicating a broader set of amendments to penalties for firearm possession, though the specific details of those sections aren’t included in the excerpt.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces or elevates penalties for unlawful firearm possession by individuals with a violence-related conviction, making it a felony with a potentially lengthy prison term and a substantial fine.
• Adds an explicit mechanism to avoid multiple punishments for the same conduct by related firearm offenses (bar to separate 624.713(2) penalties).
• Maintains a federal/state relief exception (relief of disability under 18 U.S.C. § 925 and restoration under state law) that can shield some offenders from the new penalty.
• Indicates coordination with related firearm statutes (624.713 and 624.7141), suggesting a broader package of changes to firearm-related offenses.

Legislative Status

• The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy.

Context (Notes)

• The bill uses the term “crime of violence” as defined in 624.712(5). It applies to individuals who possess, transport, or receive firearms or ammunition after such a conviction.

Relevant Terms - crime of violence - firearm - ammunition - felony - imprisonment - fine - relief of disability - 18 U.S.C. § 925 - restoration - 624.712(5) - 609.165 subdivision 1b - 624.713 subdivision 2 - 624.7141 subdivision 1-2 - bar / no double punishment - Public Safety Finance and Policy (committee)