SF4231

Purpose

• The bill aims to adjust insurance requirements related to firearms. Specifically, it would require owners of firearms to carry liability insurance and would require homeowners and tenants insurance policies to include liability coverage for the accidental discharge of firearms. It would amend Minnesota Statutes to implement these changes and establish definitions for the related sections.

Main Provisions

• Require liability insurance for firearm owners: The bill would mandate that owners of firearms have liability insurance to cover potential liability arising from firearm ownership or use.
• Add coverage for accidental discharge to homeowners/tenants policies: The bill would require homeowners and tenants insurance policies to include liability coverage specifically for the accidental discharge of firearms.
• Amend definitions and scope: The bill would amend Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 65A.27 subdivision 1 to define terms used for purposes of sections 65A.27 to 65A.304 (and 65A.304), clarifying the meanings of key terms within these provisions.
• Codify in chapter 65A: The bill proposes coding for a new law within Minnesota Statutes chapter 65A to implement these insurance requirements.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a new financial responsibility requirement for firearm ownership (mandatory liability insurance for firearm owners).
• Expands insurance coverage requirements in standard homeowner and renter policies to include liability coverage for accidental firearm discharge.
• Introduces formal definitions to guide the application of these provisions across sections 65A.27 through 65A.304 (and 65A.304), and places the new rules within Chapter 65A.

Scope and Process (context)

• The bill was introduced and referred to the Commerce and Consumer Protection committee for consideration.

Note

• The text provided covers the purpose, the key provisions, and the intended legal changes (amendments and codification) but does not include details on exemptions, penalties, or enforcement mechanisms.

Relevant Terms

• liability insurance
• firearms
• accidental discharge of firearms
• homeowners policy
• tenants policy
• Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 65A.27 subdivision 1
• Minnesota Statutes chapter 65A
• sections 65A.27 to 65A.304
• 65A.302
• 65A.304
• definitions
• scope