HF5091

Purpose

• The bill aims to change how Minnesota peace officers can buy firearms. It allows an actively licensed peace officer to use their badge or other official government ID plus a photo ID to prove who they are, and treats that proof as if they had a transferee permit to purchase the firearm.

Main Provisions

• Section 1.624.7135 FIREARM PURCHASE BY PEACE OFFICERS: An actively licensed Minnesota peace officer may purchase a firearm by presenting:
  • the peace officer’s badge or other officially issued government identification showing current employment as a peace officer in Minnesota, and
  • photo identification sufficient to prove the officer’s identity.
• This proof is considered the equivalent of presenting a transferee permit for the purchase of the firearm.
• Applies to peace officers who are currently employed in Minnesota and who hold an active license.
• The bill proposes coding this as new law in Minnesota Statutes chapter 624.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Replaces or supersedes the previous method by allowing badge/official ID plus photo ID to serve as the purchase proof, counting as a substitute for a transferee permit.
• Streamlines the firearm purchase process specifically for actively licensed, currently employed Minnesota peace officers.

Scope and Context

• Affects: actively licensed Minnesota peace officers who are currently employed in Minnesota.
• Key terms involved: peace officer, firearm purchase, badge, government identification, photo identification, transferee permit, Minnesota Statutes chapter 624.

Potential Impacts (Summary)

• Could speed up firearm purchases for peace officers.
• Clarifies that badge/ID proof is sufficient for purchase, potentially reducing steps or delays.

Relevant Terms peace officer; firearm purchase; badge; government identification; photo identification; transferee permit; Minnesota Statutes chapter 624; actively licensed; currently employed.